Shed plate values

There is, indeed. a thriving trade in fake Irish cast iron signs, mainly versions of Great Southern & Western Railway "5 line" gate notices and GS&WR "trespass" notices, but with various company initials, most of them inappropriate. Unfortunately, this has had a detrimental effect on the value of genuine items.
I don't think that fakery is as much of a problem, at present, in the UK, but it was in the past and the results, obviously, are still around; you need to look very carefully at GWR trespass notices, Midland Rly. bridge notices and GNR/LNER door signs, for instance.

It's much worse in America, where there is a substantial cottage industry manufacturing fakes. Currently, on Ebay, you can purchase a very convincing crossing (RXR) sign, "authentically" weathered and complete with bullet holes!

 

Surely it only becomes a problem if the vendor is trying to pass the plate off as the genuine article at or around the market price for such an item?

 

well, if I tell you they are on sale on stalls in sunday markets by persons who swear blind they are real, you can see the problem, probably picked them up whilst tarmacing an old station house drive....

 

All fakes are a problem! Imagine how someone feels when they pick up an expensive item only to be told it's worthless. Some will cry "Buyer beware" or state "they should have done their homework" but even experts can be fooled.
There have been fakes sold through Auction Houses in the past and if they can be fooled what hope the rest of us.
One only has to look at the news last week regarding a court case, Re: a painting that a previous owner was told was by an apprentice painter only later down the line to be attributed to a master.
Much of memorabilia is sold on trust. Just look at Ebay. If I mistrusted every vendor I would never buy anything.

 

That does happen. However, it becomes a greater problem in years ahead, when the fake becomes indistinguishable from the genuine. (see "Mandator's post #7)

 

The only 100% sure way of not being caught is avoid anything thats advertised as the genuine article. I've bought replica plates (stamped as such), which are just as nice to look at IMO.

 

True but it is nice to own something that you know has a history.

 

I agree completely and I also abhor those who peddle fakes as the real deal.

For years I wanted an LNWR block instrument and started looking around for one in 2013. I was out-bid on a couple that popped up on ebay. Then another appeared with a full description stating it was an LNWR pattern example made in the early BR years (BR stamp on the hinges). It was at an appropriate starting price and now it sits on the top stairs window sill looking great!

The seller went to great lengths not to misrepresent it as pre 1923 and that kind of dealing has to be applauded.

 

Congratulations! But beware, block instruments can easily become an obsession. (That's exactly how I started!)

 

Hahaha...not likely unless one turns up for auction with proof it sat on the shelf in Lancaster N0.2 box. I'd not trust myself to bid within reason for it!