Hello everyone, i would really appreciate some advice on this Stephens Ink sign that is coming up for auction tomorrow.  It is a sign that was purchased in India by the seller, and I was just wondering whether anyone has seen this example before, and whether you think it is original or a very good reproduction? It measures approximately 400 mm x 300 mm.  Your advice will be appreciated.

A very well known dealer ( although ) not particulary in signs offered me one of these a while back. He had sourced 2 from India both almost mint. When I handled it it just ' felt ' wrong despite the detail being good and the back not being the usual uniform colour. Also it was too bendy ?

Since I have now seen about 8 others this year all mostly confimed from India I certainly would avoid. I believe they have old factories still in use in India which produce signs very much in the " Old Way " I reckon these may be coming from the same source that is now making " extremely good " Motoring sign copies to order, who have caught out many an established collector they are that good ( BAD )

Mind you it seems you already have doubts yourself otherwise you would not have posted, so take your own suspisions on board and leave well alone !!

Lummox

I've had one of these Stephen's Signs in the past. Originals are a lot, lot sharper on the bottle images, and on the lettering. I'd avoid the one shown like the plague, even though the back looks convincing.

I've another to ask about please gentlemen. Not come across this one before - genuine do you think ?  Item No. 320976828052

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320976828...578wt_1397

Thanks !

I had my doubts about this one too. On the side of the can on the main picture the wording doesn't sit right with the angle of the can, and the price seems to creep around the corner onto the main face. Surely the quality of the setting out of the script and details at the time (1930s?) would have been a lot better? Also the hanging holes don't seem to be set to hang the can horizontal. Is it another dodgy Shell can version?

 Thanks for your opinion Steve, think I'll give this one a miss - not worth the risk. Got a feeling that it might go for big bucks though ...

I first saw one of these probably fifteen years ago, and had it down just as late production, and maybe non-British. I'm more hesitant to write them off as 'repro' than others. I would agree though that they are quite crude and lacking in quality, but I am not yet convinced either way! Sorry to sit on the fence on this one!

The Bullards comes in two different versions, with colour variations, and I believe both those that the links are to are good. Please don't start a panic about them!!!

I have also seen the Thackers around for years and would be pretty confident that was OK too.

But, I'm glad someone has pointed out the 'Mibiloil' double-sided can though! I have seen an exceptionally good quality, heavy repro of one of those, but whether this one is right I'm unsure. I'd like to handle it myself!

That Mobiloil and Thackers are Shit...

But, I'm glad someone has pointed out the 'Mibiloil' double-sided can though! I have seen an exceptionally good quality, heavy repro of one of those, but whether this one is right I'm unsure. I'd like to handle it myself!

That Stephens ink sign is shit  too..