Fakement-Charley, subs. phr. (thieves’).—An owner’s private mark.
1864. Hotten, Slang Dict., s.v.
Faker, subs. (common).—1. One who makes, does, or ‘fakes’ anything;
specifically a thief. Found in many combinations: e.g., Bit-faker;
Flue-faker; Grub-faker; Sham-faker, Twat-faker, etc.
1851. G. Borrow, Lavengro, ch. xxxi., p. 112 (1888). We never calls
them thieves here, but prigs and fakers.
1857. Ducange Anglicus, Vulg. Tongue. Faker, a jeweller
(theatrical).
1869. George Macdonald, Robert Falconer, pt. III., ch. x. Them
pusses is mannyfactered express for the convenience o’ the fakers.
1885. Daily Telegraph, 1 August, p. 2, col. 1. ‘I’ve turned faker
of dolls and dolls’ furniture; like what you see us working on
now.’ ‘And when you say faker you mean—‘Renowater,’ struck in Miss
Menders.’
1887. Baumann, Londonismen, p. 5. Piratical fakers Of bosh by the
acres.