There is an influx of commercially made, imported quilts that are listed on ebay that truly mislead the buyer. I have been urged by my customers, fellow quilt dealers and friends to try to help the situation by identifying the "fakes" out there.

Now, don't get me wrong,  there is a place for  imported (1970's-on up) commercially made quilts. 

Reasons to buy an import:

• Perhaps you want the look but cannot afford (or don't want to pay the price) for the real thing
• Perhaps you want to use it daily and don't want to destroy the real thing
• Perhaps your dog has a "thing" for pretty quilts and you decide (thankfully) that he doesn't NEED the real thing ;)

All of these are very good reasons to buy an import!

Now, the reasons you DO NOT want to buy an import: 

• You THINK you are buying the real thing (Surprise!)
•  You want the real thing and think if it is listed in the "Antiques-Quilts-Pre-1930's" catagory........well then...it must truly be a pre 1930's quilt. (Surprise!)
• You read the description and since it mentions that it came out of "Grandma's Attic", bought at an "Estate Sale" or part of a "Vintage Quilt Collection"  it must be the real thing (Surprise!). 
• You read the description and it has been handmade and it's vintage (surprise, import quilts have hand stitching and if it isn't new, it is called vintage)

(There is also a rash of "African American" and "Amish Mennonite" quilts being sold that are complete fakes. Sad.....)

So, what is a buyer, who loves antique quilts and wants to buy the "Real Thing" to do?

1. Shop with reputable sellers, check the feedback and ask questions.  Unfortunately, there are some sellers who will mislead buyers about the quilts that they are selling. Be direct, ask them, "Do you guarantee that this quilt is not an import and if I find that it is, will you refund not only the full price I pay but the shipping both ways?"

2. If you find a quilt that seems to be the real deal but are still unsure, ask a reputable quilt dealer for their opinion. I would be happy to give you an honest opinion of other quilts that are listed on ebay, and I think most reputable quilt sellers would do the same!

3. Ask for additional close-ups. Fabric patterns, thick bindings and large quilt stitches are great clues. Ask if the batting is cotton or polyester (Polyester will "slip" when rubbed between your fingers, cotton will not), this doesn't tell you if it is a true vintage/antique quilt but if it does have a polyester batting it would be post 1960.

4.  Try to educate yourself on the reproductions out there. I am going to end by listing "KNOWN" reproductions that are being misrepresented on ebay right now. If you know of others, send them to me, I would be happy to add them!

5. If you are buying an African American or Amish quilt, ask for history, documentation or other proof.