An Ohio man says he was bamboozled by an alleged Faberge fraudster at a ritzy Central Park gallery, according to a new $1.2 million lawsuit.
The egghead forked over $165,000 for five fakes at an “authentic Russian antique” bazaar in the Essex House Gallery in August 2002, court papers say.
A New Jersey dealer named Ronald Safdieh, boasting expertise in Russian antiques, allegedly marketed the fantasy objects for a company called Joseph Fine Arts, the documents state.
At the time David Butt, 59, of Dayton, was dazzled by the items that included a “jeweled, tri-color” snuff box “encrusted with a silver double eagle” and a “gem-set Faberge egg” with “wreaths of round rose-cut diamonds.”
Butt only discovered he’d allegedly been duped when he traveled to an Antiques Roadshow auction in Cincinnati in the summer of 2012 and a New York City expert deemed the pieces “forgeries.”
The Ohioan admits that he never received a “Certificate of Authenticity” for the pieces but claims he “specifically inquired as to the authenticity of the items marked ‘Faberge.’” A sales receipt describes the pieces but does not use the word “Faberge.”
Safdieh, whose shop in the Essex House hotel closed in 2009, denied the allegations. “I’m a very upstanding person with a crystal clear reputation,” he told the Post.
He sold both genuine antiques and newer pieces, but never made misrepresentations, he said, adding, “People believe what they want to believe.
Butt accuses Safdieh of “false and fraudulent marketing” of “originals” that turned out to be mere “modern, cheap, imitations.” He wants to be reimbursed for the fakes and $1 million for punitive damages.
Russian jewelry house Faberge crafted precious trinkets in the late 1800s through the 20th century. The company is best known for its jeweled miniature eggs that were popular Easter gifts as well as larger renditions made especially for czars.