In November 2016 Ebay seller cmummeg from Dover, Pennsylvania in the USA was selling this reproduction Pennsylvania plate from 1909 that he says is the second of two the same. He is correctly selling it as a reproduction.
It does look like the plate could be enamelled rather than just painted. The genuine plates are enamelled (or porcelain as Americans call it). This one does not have the maker’s mark on the back of the plate which shows it is a reproduction.
The genuine plates are very, very rare and most are very expensive. Some people want a reproduction in their collection because there is no chance they will be able to find or afford a genuine one.
The problem is going to come later when some of these plates get into the market or crooks try to distress them and claim they are genuine. From a photo during a sale or trade it will be very difficult to tell if the plate or plates are genuine or not.
This just makes everything difficult for everyone. Reproductions are very bad for the hobby and if you care about the future of the hobby, it is better you do not buy reproductions..
If anyone knows of other early US reproductions, please get in touch.
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