Are there fake Lladro figures?

Yes, their popularity and limited numbers have led to fraudsters producing fake figures in order to exploit the demand, as a result it is always important to do the necessary checks when purchasing a figure.

About Lladro figures

Founded in 1953 by three brothers, Lladro has established itself as one of the world’s top porcelain producers. The Spanish brand initially began producing tableware such as vases and jugs, before specialising in porcelain figures in 1958 for which it is best known today. 

How to spot a fake Lladro figure? 

Look for the Lladro blue stamp on the base, Llandro branded box packaging and a smooth, glass-like finish with no chips or cracks. Some limited edition pieces also have a certificate of authenticity and limited edition number.

Here are some ways you can authenticate a Lladro figure and spot fakes. 

1. Lladro logo and branding 

Lladro figures feature a blue stamp with the brand name and the bell logo. The only exceptions to this are the earliest figures produced before 1971 which, alternatively, have an impressed logo. These early figures are very rare; therefore, it is more than likely if you have a figure produced after 1971 and it does not have the blue stamp, then it is not authentic. 

Here is an example of the Lladro blue stamp:

The stamps have changed significantly over the years so it is best to determine how old your figure is and compare the stamp to a specific one used at that time to ensure the lettering is correct. If figures have the bell emblem scraped off, it could indicate that the figure is a ‘second,’ meaning it is genuine Lladro but has faults from the manufacturer and has failed quality control. Although, ‘seconds,’ are authentic they do not generate the same values as their counterparts. 

2. Quality 

Lladro prides itself on producing figures of the utmost quality and many fakes will cut corners in production to keep costs low which can be a key indicator to identify them. Lladro only uses real porcelain in production, whereas cheaper materials such as earthenware or stoneware may be used on counterfeit pieces. Porcelain can be identified by its crisp white tone and smooth glasslike finish, when tapped it has a melodic high-pitched sound. Alternatives have a more yellow tone and a lower pitch and have more impurities so can have a rougher texture. 

Another way to use Lladro’s unique processes to identify fakes is by determining whether the piece was painted before or after it was fired. Lladro is known for its use of pastel colours and its pieces are painted before the firing process, making them less porous and the colour practically permanent. Achieving the pastel shades by painting afterwards is easier to accomplish and means you don’t encounter the risks with painting before firing, making it the easier option that many counterfeit producers will opt for. Although it may be easier to achieve, decorating the ornaments afterwards leaves scope for paint cracking and chipping, which can indicate that you have a counterfeit figure. A genuine Lladro figure should not have any chips or cracks to the paintwork. 

3. Certification and branded packaging

Receiving your Lladro figure in original, branded packaging adds reassurance that your item is genuine. Checking your piece's certification can also be a key indicator to determining the authenticity of your item. Limited edition Lladro figures often come with a certificate of authenticity which will have the reference number and the piece's limited edition number. You can use this to cross-reference the item to ensure it matches using a reputable online catalogue of Lladro figures. You can use these online catalogues to check the design is genuine, as many fakes will imitate Lladro’s unique characteristics with non-official designs. At PM Antiques we also offer an appraisal service where we can check the authenticity of your item and give you a fair price, should you wish to sell your Lladro figure or collection. 

Here are examples of limited edition certificates and branded packaging: 

How much is my Lladro figure worth? 

Prices range from £10 to £10,000. Some of the most valuable figures include; ‘Cinderella’s arrival,’ which sold for over £9,000 at auction and ‘Circus Fanfare,’ which sold with its original certificate for £7,000 in 2022. Like any collectable piece, the value will depend on the condition and the desirability of the model. 

At PM Antiques & Collectables, we have a wealth of experience in appraising Lladro figures for sale. All our figures are appraised in-house, making our store the perfect place to expand your collection. Furthermore, if you are looking to sell your Lladro collection, contact us today for a free, no obligation quotation. We specialise in the acquisition of large, single-owner collections.