ModCons

Authentic originals, licensed originals, reproductions and knockoffs—what’s the difference and how can you tell?



Buyer beware, modern love can quickly become original sin. It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime lover or a blushing neophyte newly turned on to the romance of vintage modern furniture, there are a lot of cheaters out there and if you fall for one of them you could end up both broke and broken-hearted.

Don’t let the object of your affections mislead you. Serious collectors with serious cash can afford to sweep an expensive original piece off the auction floor and out the door. Buyers with demure budgets, who are more concerned about aesthetics than authenticity, may purchase less expensive licensed originals. Reproductions are another consideration, although they raise both ethical and quality concerns.