7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying an Antique Persian Dagger on Ruby Lane

Be extremely cautious of sellers providing generic or poorly produced certificates of authenticity. Scammers often create convincing-looking documents to falsely validate an item's origin and age. Always cross-reference any provided documentation with independent research or trusted appraisal services.

Sellers may try to pass off heavily restored daggers as original pieces. While restoration can be necessary, it should always be disclosed. Look for subtle signs of repair, repainting, or replacement parts that aren't mentioned in the description. Ruby Lane's 'Real Or Repro' resource can be helpful in identifying such issues.

Be wary of any seller who pressures you to complete the transaction off-platform, especially by offering a 'discount' for wire transfers or other non-traceable payment methods. Ruby Lane emphasizes keeping transactions within its secure system.

Scammers might use high-quality images of daggers that are not their own, often taken from other collectors' websites or catalogs. Examine the images closely for consistency and consider a reverse image search to see if they appear elsewhere online.

Be skeptical of overly elaborate or unverifiable stories about the dagger's history or previous owners. Scammers invent 'provenance' to inflate value. True provenance should be verifiable through historical records or reputable previous sales.

Sellers may deliberately omit or downplay significant damage, such as cracks in the handle, corrosion on the blade, or looseness in the construction. Always request detailed, high-resolution photos of all angles and be aware that some damage may only be visible upon in-person inspection.

Be cautious of unsolicited messages that impersonate Ruby Lane or a seller, asking for personal information or payment details outside the platform. Always verify the sender's identity and use Ruby Lane's official communication channels.