Great Canadian Memorabilia Fakes

Great Canadian Fakes!

Taylor Lynne Thomson, the daughter of Canadian newspaper magnate Ken Thomson, says she's been duped by Christie's of London, UK, perhaps the leading antique auction house in the world.

She paid Christie's $3.9 million for two small urns, which Christie's catalogue claimed were early 18th century. Thomson says her experts claim they are repros, from the late 19th century when 18th century art was in high fashion.

Thomson had outbid another heiress, Ann Getty, of America's billionaire Getty family, for the urns in 1994. She now claims she was duped and wants her money back. She paid top dollar for the rich heritage - provenance - which she claims she did not get.

Christie's says it's too long ago, and besides, they still claim the urns are really 18th century anyway so they're not honor bound to take them back on either account. Thomson is taking Christie's to court to sue for damages, or a refund.

Christie's says the catalogue listings reflect a "professional consensus" of its "in-house" experts.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: Says Donald McLean of Waddington's Auctioneers, "Technically any auction, anywhere, the buyer is on their own. When you are buying at auction, you are required to do your own checking as well."

So remember, even if you pay millions for an item, you can still be deceived, and end up paying for a fake. And buying from a "reputable dealer" is no guarantee that you will get what you pay for, or protection and restitution, once you have uncovered a "fake." Just ask Taylor Thomson.

Go to Lord Thomson & Krieghoff

That art fakery is alive and well in Canada, albeit on a more modest level...

Go to William Armstrong Fakes