Phra Somdej Pim Thansen Lang Luang Phor Pae • B.E. 2517
Wat Pikulthong, Singburi • Authentic vs. Counterfeit Examination
AUTHENTICATION FOCUS: EARLY LP PAE SOMDEJ (1974 C.E.)
Core Virtues: Metta Mahaniyom (Popularity) • Klaew Klaad (Protection)
Figure 1 (Obverse): Pim Thansen — note the crisp facial features and base-line geometry on authentic examples.
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Historical Background
Among the most respected post-war amulets of the 20th century, the Phra Somdej Pim Thansen Lang LP Pae, B.E. 2517 (1974) from Wat Pikulthong, Singburi, is a classic representation of Luang Phor Pae’s early consecrations. Crafted under his direct supervision and empowered in a grand Putthapisek (consecration rite), the batch blends devotional purpose with meticulous craft.
The obverse presents the Buddha in meditation upon layered bases; the reverse bears LP Pae’s portrait, embodying Metta Mahaniyom (loving-kindness/popularity) and calm discipline.
Figure 2 (Reverse): LP Pae portrait — look for crisp robe lines and clear Khom characters on authentic pieces.
Contextual Insight: Early B.E. 2517 Somdej casts are valued for deeply impressed pim (mould) lines, balanced facial contours, and powder stratification from LP Pae’s sacred mixture — a hallmark that later reissues rarely match.
Composition & Sacred Ingredients (เนื้อหามวลสาร)
Genuine B.E. 2517 Somdej are pressed in Nur Phong Kerson (sacred powder blend) prepared in LP Pae’s lineage. Surfaces exhibit fine granular texture with subtle age veins and mineral specks.
- Ancient powders: Phong Itthije, Phong Pattamung, Phong Trinisinghae.
- Somdej lineage: pulverised powders from old Wat Rakhang/Wat Bangkhunprom amulets.
- Sanctified inclusions: flower pollen, temple soil, minor hair relics, and yantra powders.
Authentication Points (Real Amulet Characteristics)
- Surface: matte tone with fine granules; natural micro-cracks from aging.
- Detail: sharp facial lines and robe folds; proportional base steps.
- Inscriptions: deep, consistent temple fonts and clear yant marks.
- Colour: beige/grey-yellow from powder oxidation.
- Reverse: pronounced robe lines; gentle shoulder/lap curvature (not flat).
Counterfeit Characteristics (Fake Indicators)
- Surface: chalky or overly smooth; uniform without organic inclusions.
- Detail failure: blurred/melted features from second-generation molds.
- Fonts: faint, swollen, or uneven Khom characters.
- Tone: pale white/pinkish from modern plaster/cement.
- Weight/feel: off-balance density versus sacred powder matrix.
Comparison
| Feature | Authentic B.E. 2517 | Counterfeit / Recast |
|---|---|---|
| Mould Precision | Deep impressions, proportional lines (bases, robe folds). | Shallow; rounded, distorted details. |
| Surface Tone | Beige/grey-yellow from oxidation. | Uniform white or pinkish. |
| Texture | Fine grain with mineral/pollen specks. | Too smooth or coarse, inorganic. |
| Reverse (LP Pae) | Crisp robe lines; clear Khom characters. | Merged/blurred lines; flat appearance. |
| Collectibility | High — early documented LP Pae work. | None (deceptive copies). |
Summary
The Phra Somdej Pim Thansen Lang LP Pae B.E. 2517 stands as a cornerstone of LP Pae’s sacred oeuvre. Genuine examples show aged sanctity, precise mould work, and balanced proportions. Counterfeits often miss texture complexity and line sharpness. Collectors should examine powder matrix, facial/robe definition, and yant clarity, and corroborate provenance (e.g., Samakom/Thaprachan certificates) while relying foremost on trained observation.
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Disclaimer: This article supports cultural and academic appreciation of Thai Buddhist material heritage. Details aid study and personal assessment and are not legal or forensic certification.