What does circa mean?
Literally from the Latin meaning approximately or about, however in the opinion of most antiques dealers a realistic, estimate is give or take 10 years.
Meaning an item say from the 1950's couldn't be circa 1900, circa is not an excuse for not stating a correct time / date zone.
Often as we know antiques have many lives, not unusual for a silver christening mug to say Mary June 26th 1952 where as hallmark date is 1905, and often items imported from Europe in the 1890 having that import mark are much much earlier.
Many sellers particularly on well known antiques auction sites love to call everything antique or vintage when absolutely not and many many things are c1790 when really 1810 or even 1840 or even just a fib.
Funny with some younger listers recently on www.topbananaantiques.com had a brief spell of calling many things c1970 when 1920's or even earlier just down to lack of knowledge but hopefully better than stating a vintage item as antique.
Luckily unlike many eBayers who only have their own consciences to deal with, we have crack team of dealers checking our listings and take pride on aiming to get it right, and if the odd error correcting within a few hours.
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