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Hello,
I am new to this forums as well as to the collecting.
So, I have a question, why with some of the offers the serial numbers are hiddenand displayed like that 123xxxx? Why not just show the whole number?
I am sorry for this basic question, but it really puzzles me, it's not like KGB will trace down the veteran that sold his awards or something.
thanks
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I have often wondered about this myself, and I believe it is done to prevent someone from filing a false claim of stolen property. I know that this is done routinely with firearms being offered for sale, as well.
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You mean the seller might have doubts that the award was stolen?
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No, I think it is done more to prevent some nut from claiming that the medal was stolen from him, in order to attempt to gain ownership of the item in question. Hard to believe it could be done.....but this is America.....people do stranger things than THAT.
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But if someone have doubts, the police can force to reveal the serial number. Also, by hiding the serial numbers the sellers do prevent possible recovering of stolen items.
But it's not just that. In Russia they also hide serial numbers. Part of it. Well, maybe for similar reason.
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At this point, I think we should go straight to the source....well.....how about it, you dealers out there.....just why DO you hide the full serial numbers??
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I can't answer for dealers as I am not one. Likely they have their reasons. But I can tell you on reason that you sometimes see it in messages on the forum. Poor memory. For instance I have Distinguished KGB Badge 43XX (i know the first didgits are 43 bt can't remember the other two unless I check it) likewise I have Order of Glory II 70xx (but can't remember the last two numbers off hand). As I say, this does not explain it for a site or list though, just in casual "chat".
Shawn
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Ok, valid point. So, people may just indicate this way that a number was 5 digit, or 4 etc.
However, on dealer's sites after the item was listed with the full serial number, after it's been sold, the serial number gets erased fully, or partially, leaving XXX in it. So, there's something else.
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Your question actually calls for different answers depending on the circumstance. In Russia, serial numbers are hidden because they can be traced and it is still illegal to sell or buy someone elses medals.
In the US, I believe that most cases (at least with the reputable dealers) of xxx serial numbers relate to Otlichnik's answer of poor memory. They are trying to answer a question quickly and can't remember the whole serial number offhand.
I do not know why dealers do this for other cases. I also collect KIA US Purple Hearts, and I see dealers who hide the person's name on the reverse of the medal. I do not understand this as it lowers the value of the Heart considerably in an auction environment. Some say its to protect the family, most of the time its because the Heart is a fake.
I wish I could provide a better answer. But this all boils back down to buy from reputable dealers and you will avoid all of the hassles associated with this stuff.
Just my opinion,
Ed
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I've never had a problem disclosing any of my numbers on items I sell. I guess it depends on the seller.
