Mike Lynd wrote: "I always thought that the second one was the correct one with
the emphasis
on the first syllable, but I hear the first one more and more these days. I
await the decision of the Porch."

This is the magic of the word "patina." There are at least three pronunciations
(paTEENa, paTYNEa, PATinna), and by appropriate choice you can generally make
yourself sound snooty and your customer (excuse me, "client") feel like an
undereducated boor. This is in preparation for charging at least five times
going rate for an object (excuse me, "objet.") On the other hand, by matching
the pronunciation of a more sophisticated client you can encourage feelings of
collegiality and lure him into thinking you are on the same side, making it
easier to slip him a piece that is, well, "sophisticated" in the rare book
meaning (a polite euphemism for "faked up a bit", Jeff). And since the word
means, objectively, just "old surface" it can be used to describe anything form
the smooth, beautiful surface left by wear and the rubbing of the hand on
natural stable oxidation, through deliberate new oxidation for the sake of
brilliant colors, to a disgusting grotty old coating of soil, corrosion, and
filth. The word "patina" is in fact a pretty good hype alert, not a diagnostic
all by itself but a warning to be on your toes.
Tom Conroy
harrumphing and schwaless, a day or two late.