I mentioned in my previous article that the majority of fakes are nothing more than poor quality copies, but one should also be aware of the existance of high quality fakes , usually reserved for expensive amulets.  

Most of Luang Phor Tim's amulets fall into that category and I would like to show you one particular pim that would fool many unwary collectors. This is a good example where experience can pay dividends.

Incidentally the fake amulet was for sale on a Thai website, another point that I wish to make, just because your purchasing from a Thai collector doesnt mean its genuine, a really common mistake that many novice collectors often make. Most Thai dealers will not accept such amulets back.
 

Which is Fake ?

Actually the two exmples above are both GENUINE Luang Phor Tim BE 2517 Somdejs. I just wanted to show two pims that appear slightly different and with colour variation.  


 

THE FAKE PIM

Although remarkably similar the pim just doesnt look right, an intuition that only experience can provide. Look closely at certain regions and you will be able to identify the slight variation and in particular the arms and head.

If you really wanted to be technical about this process you would typically need to map the image using a scale. This technique will quickly reveal most dimensional variations. Note the lowest level of the throne and the RELATIVE distance between it and the bell....significantly different to that of the original. But be careful, hand pressed pims of the older generation can show many differences and such a technique must be used in combination with other authentication markers. 

Physical examination of an amulet is by far the most reliable method of authentication. Many have attempted more detailed forensic analaysis based on composition using fairly standard anlytical techniques such as  HPLC (high performance liquid chromatagraphy) and Gas Chromatographs.

These techniques are incredibly sensitive and work on the principle of seperating component parts based on molecular size or chemical composition and typically produce a finger print result based on various measurements such as UV absorption at various wavelengths or flouresence to name but a few.

Although these techniques can produce supporting evidence they are inherently flawed due to the often inconsistant componant composition percentage of an amulet and more importantly that of obtaining an un-adulterated sample for anlaysis and the reference standard against which the results should be compared.