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How to Spot Fake Napco Head Vases

The National Potteries Corporation, or Napco, is an importer of ceramic head vases. A head vase is a vase in the shape of a lady's head. Experienced collectors know how to spot fake Napco head vases, but the beginning collector may require some help, as there are many fake head vases circulating through online markets. You can seek out experienced collectors, familiarize yourself with the features of the Napco head vase and look for signs that it was distributed by Napco.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for black stamp on the bottom of the Napco head vase. It should bear a label of some sort with the Napco name on it. It may also have a gold seal that says "NAPCO" or "National Potteries" on it. If it does not, it could be a fake head vase. It may also state that it was "Made in Japan." Most head vases bear a "C" or "S" letter in the model number on the bottom of the vase.
- 2
  Invest in "The Encyclopedia of Head Vases." The book contains a complete list of authentic head vases and how to ensure they are real and not fake. You can compare head vases to the ones featured in this book. If the head vase doesn't appear in here, the vase is likely a fake. If you're an avid collector of head vases, this is a good purchase to make, as it will save you a lot of money in the long-term.
- 3
  Inspect the Napco head vase for signs of imperfection. Fakes will often contain no marks and will display poor craftsmanship. They will seem cheaply put together. The original head vase will be very detailed in its features. If it is older, the paint or ceramic may be chipped.
- 4
  Contact a head vase collector, such as Head Vase Museum and provide a photo with a picture of the Napco head vase (see "Resources"). Collectors are very familiar with authentic and fake Napco head vases, and they should be able to spot a fake pretty easily.

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