Duplicates, just a though

[ph3s]

recently I start to see a lot of duplicate medals CS, Bravery on auctions and forums. And I start to think is it really difficult to make a new set of punch 2mm high. Yes I say it might be expensive, but:

Lots of abandon factories / equipment in xSU territory
Lots of good master-engravers
Finally new equipment for the the badge and decorations small and big companies.

What is gonna stop a not well paid master to create a set of punch for additional money? bear in mind that for example in Ukraine unnumbered CS and Braveries cost $20-30. A cost of duplicate is at list x4.

[Auke]

Exactly, that's why I have never ever bought a "duplicate". All the experts in the world can say that a piece is legit, but in the end it is simply too easy to take an unnumbered BM / CMM and add a "D" and a serial number. If it's done well, even the best experts won't be able to detect that.

[deValcourt]

Or, you can do your research before you buy - and by that I mean get someone to research it for you. BMs and CSMs should be some of the easiest to hunt down with the right person hunting.

Phillip

[Auke]

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying, you mean archival research? How is that going to say whether the duplicate is real or not?

[Lapa]

...bear in mind that for example in Ukraine unnumbered CS and Braveries cost $20-30...

Actually, it would be closer to $10~12...

Marc