I think it is great spotting by Helvetica, to have compared this item with the
apparent prototype for this piece being from
Helios 5, lot 730 (June 2010 -
NOT 2011! [as
per the above
Wildwinds link]).
Compare the hair of the
bust, and you will see some quite unnatural lines
within the hair that are probably
tooled, or at least concocted/contrived.
The centering of both pieces is almost identical but there are many features
that have been copied, but not copied with any proficiency.
Notice also, that there are two faint lines within the steps that apparently
depict some sort of walkway or corner edge on the original, but have been
all but obliterated on the above specimen. There are traces, but they seem
to have been overlooked and partially smoothed out.
Note also the
border of dots in relation to the legends. They are in an almost
identical position but poorly executed when compared to the original. The idea
was on the right track, but the result failed on several levels.
The EXTREME
legend error, when compared to the original, is perhaps the
most egregious failing and one which probably condemns the most. Naturally
the best way to confirm is with the item in hand, but as I am quite familiar with
the prototype I am equally as certain about this present piece.
I find it impossible to believe that we just happen to have both the copy AND
the prototype at hand within close proximity. Because of all of this, I believe
that there is no doubt that the item is both modern and fake.
A better and clearer detailed image of the
obverse will, I have little doubt,
reveal said tooling to the hair and other features. Of course, I will also be
the first to eat my words if I am wrong. I'd love to see the item in hand.
Walter
Holt