i worked for buggins and i can not understand why he has done this he has enjoyed the lifestyle this work gave him and it must be greed that has made him do this.it has always been done since roman times and as they say at all auction rooms 'let the buyer beware' to think a person in the trade can do this to a hard working dealer is very sad?

miles, ruffec, france

So this Biggins has clearly made alot of money out of his work.
What's his problem. Sounds like a tossor to me.

Barry White, Bath,

Look, if you like it and enjoy it, it is worth whatever the money you paid. If you're buying it only to impress the neighbors, then you deserve to be stuck.

Ken Smucker, Marietta PA, USA

I have grave doubts about my George II B&W television as it has two channels and I was told by the dealer that that the extra channel was was probably retro-fitted in the early Edwardian period. Any body have any comments?

ROBERT NICHOLSON, BUCKHURST HILL, GB

Contrary to James of Paddington's plaintive cry, I find this whistleblower's tune to be very melodious.

To my admittedly less than expert eye, what purports to be 'genuine', and while being aesthetically pleasing, is usually aimed at snobs, and sells to people with more money than sense.

There are hundreds of skilled cabinet-makers in villages throughout France who will produce beautiful - albeit reproduction - furniture, for about the same price that one would pay for a flat pack from Ikea.

In 1984 I paid 1500 FFR (about £120) for a solid rosewood Voltaire chair that is still in pristine condition.

Just last week I saw for sale a 4in thick, solid oak, 3m long, farmhouse table (made from 300 year old house-beams and weighing around 200 kgs), for 2 250 euros, in a village N. of Bordeaux.

In 1998 I bought a masterpiece bookcase (final-exam piece) made by an ébeniste after a 10 year apprenticeship, for 7000 Frs (£700).

All wonderful furniture at affordable prices.

Peter Athey, Paris,

Contrary to James of Paddington's plaintive cry, I find this whistleblower's tune to be very melodious.

To my admittedly less than expert eye, what purports to be 'genuine', and while being aesthetically pleasing, is usually aimed at snobs, and sells to people with more money than sense.

There are hundreds of skilled cabinet-makers in villages throughout France who will produce beautiful - albeit reproduction - furniture, for about the same price that one would pay for a flat pack from Ikea.

In 1984 I paid 1500 FFR (about £120) for a solid rosewood Voltaire chair that is still in pristine condition.

Just last week I saw for sale a 4in thick, solid oak, 3m long, farmhouse table (made from 300 year old house-beams and weighing around 200 kgs), for 2 250 euros, in a village N. of Bordeaux.

In 1998 I bought a masterpiece bookcase (final-exam piece) made by an ébeniste after a 10 year apprenticeship, for 7000 Frs (£700).

All wonderful furniture at affordable prices.

Peter Athey, Paris,

This article seems deeply flawed with suggestions that there is an alternative and far more interesting story concerning a vendetta between Buggins and the whole antiques trade.

The Times declares that they do not have proof that Hobbs knowingly sold fakes and that they cannot mention any other dealer who Buggins supplies.. why not..? if Hobbs can be mentioned why cant the rest of Buggin's clients ... What is Buggins real reason for trying to ruin one mans business, his own and the whole antiques market?

Never trust a whistleblower...

James, Paddington , London

Once brought a Pissarro down the market for 20 quid. The guy said it was genuine but I had me doubts. Still great conversation piece, that and house prices.

Ray, croydon, Surrey