Fake or Genuine Egyptian Scarab?

[bijom]

Hi,

I came across a faience scarab in some family effects and was wondering if might, in fact, be genuine, genuinely ancient, and what it might be worth.

The scarab is a little over 1" in length and approximately 3/4" in width.

The inscription on the bottom doesn't look like typical hieroglyphics so would an antique scarab have what looks like just geometric designs as seen in the photo?

Thanks.

 Inscription on bottom of scarab.  Gibberish?

[argon38]

Not being an expert in such things, the only thing I can offer is a link to a couple of sites:

http://www.collector-antiquities.com/real-or-fake/fake-egyptian/fake-scarabs.html (several pages - follow the "next page" link at the end)

http://www.seal-collector.de/faked-or-authentic.html 

[sonomabarn67]

All I can say is that the surface above the faience looks really good  as well as the accumulated grit in the grooves. Do you have macro settings / lenses on your camera? A few tight shots could really help. Not just enlarging the shots you have already taken but fresh macro shots.

[bijom]

Thanks VERY much for the links. Quite informative.