A fast primer about authentic Bossons®. Do your research.

 Always be sure to check these common markings to verify Authentic Bossons®.

LOOK FOR THE COPYRIGHT STAMP ®.

Should you find this guide useful, tag the 'Yes' button at the bottom.

On the auction page, and you want SHARP & CLEAR pictures

 
beware FUZZY pictures.

Two of the front and one of the back. The more pictures the better.

No picture of the back to confirm the copyright? Ask for one!

Don't get one, Don't Buy.

Simple as that.

If there is no picture of the backside or,
when asked of the seller you do not get a response
be very careful before you buy!
There. I said that twice.
Reason?
Maybe the photo has been doctored.
Or perhaps you aren't being shown hidden damage.

Outright Fakes, Counterfeits and "Not-A-Real Bossons"
are becoming more prevalent.
From the front they look pretty darn good, confirm this with:

1) Copyright Imprint

2) Name on the bottom
(there are exceptions to this so keep reading...)

3) Use the research links, listed below.
Compare the auction pictures on ebay versus the research links.

There are variations to paint scheme.
but the general scope is the same thruout the Bossons library.
So, should you some across a Smuggler with double eye patches,
or a purple polka dot bean-cap you will have better ammo for a sound judgement.

Compare. Use the research links.

Not zoom-in's of an eyeball, the whole piece.
Not a faraway shot, fill the picture frame.
Some come with zoom, use it.
Look For The Fine Artistic Detail.
Remember,
Bossons are lifelike!

 From the sellers discription,
reference to any chips, paint rubs, touch ups....
a good written detail can point out camera flash over a chip.
Email communication is another key.

Again, look for the copyright stamp imprinted on the back.
This will be imbedded into the chalkware itself.
It is not an ink stamp.
There are also differences to the type setting
for the early versions but generally as pictured.

 To all Bossons Character Heads
look for the name on the bottom, except...

Olaf-Smuggler-Syrian-Tibetan-Tyrolean.
(this is not a complete list yet I'm working on it still)

Yep. More times than not the name is there.

Bossons Characters do say "England".
They do not say "Made in England" on the bottoms,
with the exception of a few of the earliest editions
and some of the pottery, and those are the exception.
The example below is perfect, an exception.
Not all were impressed this well or deeply but don't judge by this.
Just know it should be there.

The name of the piece stamped into the bottom
along with a production date.

This is not the birthday of each individual piece.
It is the date the model came into existence, was copyrighted, is the *Master Model*.
Bill Sikes was produced from 1964 to 1996.

The copyright date is 1964 and thats what he carries.
But could have been made as late as 1996.
In other words, there is only one Adam & Eve,
from there we're all clones.

 Buy from a reputable dealer if you are not sure.
There are excellent fakes coming out of Europe and elsewhere.

 Look at the picture the seller has presented for the auction.
Can the detailed features be well seen?
Some pictures are fuzzy, and some if you look close enough
have been deliberately altered to hide a blemish.
Or you get just a little picture.
Why buy from a fuzzy picture? Why buy from a little picture?
Red flag it people.
Again, buyers beware.

An honest responsive seller will be glad to send you a new picture.
Look for the number of positive feedbacks. The more the better.
Also, how long has the seller been an ebay member.
Some sellers rack up alot of sells in a short amount of time. Wowaa.

Remember you want an authentic BOSSONS,
not an excellent copycat!

Its all in the detail.

Far Left & Right are Authentic.

               Both in the middle have been altered or could be knockoffs/copycats
for lack of a better phrase, just plain fakes.
And the seller admits it!
Point is they aren't Bossons.

Do your research.

Join the fraud squad  here

Authentic Bossons are a one of a kind work of art.

You can begin your research here:

bossons.info
bossonsdatabase.com
donsbossons.com

Join the International Bossons Collectors Society (IBCS) at:

www Bossons.org   

The Newsletters keep you informed and
the annual get-together is a kick,
you'll meet people from all over the World,
and pick up some rare and valuable pieces.

Read about red flags:   13 RED FLAGS   Pay attention to #9.

There is only one Bossons.

I am not making an issue againist Legends or Naturecraft.
Hey, I'm talking Bossons here.
Some sellers do what they can to include the Bossons name
somewhere in the listing.
Thats ok, hitch a ride.
Done for two reasons, one is to get more exposure for their item
so they attach the Bossons name, and two,
because, well they get more exposure.

Legends will usually say 'Legend Products'  and
'Made in England'  and
have flat backs with an exposed wire loop.
No copyright imprint on the silvered back.
Nothing.

Naturecraft have elongated, swollen and distorted features.

Don't send me questions about up coming auctions, or if I can verify authenticity.  
Take a look at the links above and make a good judgment call. Bid when you are ready.

If your still not sure, don't bid the item. There will be another like it soon.
Good Luck!!!
Keep reading at   'BOSSONS' Buyers Guide

Remember Nat King Cole? 

"Its a Wonderful World"

and Imagical too!

GOD Bless America

Aloha!

Should you find this guide useful,

hit that "YES" button

ThankYou!
Mahalo!