¿Es auténtico o es una reproducción?
au-TEN-ti-co — Cuatro sílabas; stress on the second. The 'au' es un diptongo — say both vowels smoothly.
Usa esta frase before purchasing anything claimed to be antique. The distinction between an original (autentico/originale) and a reproduction (riproduzione/copia) is crucial for value.
'Autentico' significa authentic/genuine. 'Riproduzione' significa reproduction — a copy made later to look like an antique. Esto es the most important question at any antique market. Honest sellers will tell you clearly; some may be evasive. Follow up with questions about provenance (provenienza) and documentation (documentazione).
Ha documentazione sull'autenticità?
¿Tiene documentación sobre su autenticidad?
Asking for written provenance or certificates
Da dove viene questo pezzo?
¿De dónde viene esta pieza?
Asking about provenance — a key factor in value
È stato restaurato?
¿Ha sido restaurado?
Restoration (restauro) reduces value for purists but may be necessary for functionality
Italy's antique trade is regulated by the Ministero dei Beni Culturali. Items over 70 years old may be subject to export restrictions. For pieces over a certain value, an attestato di libera circolazione is required to take them out of Italy. Buyers should always ask about this if planning to export.