This is troublesome

[Henry Sakaida]

Back in the mid 1960s when I was a teen and didn't have anything like the Internet, I became interested in Luftwaffe aces, the Waffen SS, the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, etc. You know, normal stuff for teen boys!

In 1965, I bought a Knights Cross for $4!!! Wow!!! Then I took it to a local collector/dealer who told me the sad news. But he said he had a Knights Cross with Oakleaves and Swords, and he would sell it to me for $40. That was alot of money back then. I scrounged up all my lawn mowing and soda bottle monies, and went to buy it. At the point of purchase, the dealer said that what he was selling me was a RESTRIKE. I didn't care because I was buying a Knights Cross with Swords!!! I still have it. Everytime I look at it, it mocks me: "STUPID!!!

These were my first experiences with supply and demand, and fake collectibles.

I attended the SOS event in Louisville, KY a few years back.
There were many high end dealers there, with many selling one-of-a-kind rarities, at TOTALLY OBSCENE prices. When you see stuff with no price tag, that means YOU cannot afford it. And don't embarass yourself by even asking. The dealer with size you up in a second, and without even looking at you, say $100,000, with a hint of contempt.
Some had a POR tags (price on request). Maybe they should have a medic there at the display case, with a portable oxygen tank and a defibulator in case someone asks and then faints.

At the airport, we ran into a guy who said he used to work for "that guy" at the show. And what he said shocked me. He said the dealer had a expert jeweler in Israeli melt down WWII medals for the correct silver content, then paintstakingly recreate the rarity. He said the copy is so "real," no one questions it nor his integrity.

Google: NAZI CELEBRITY RELICS: REAL OR FAKE?

While this is all about Nazi militaria, it can also apply to any other collectible. Back in the mid 1990s, we did not have to worry about fake Soviet orders and medals. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, lots of desperate families were selling off grandpa's medals to survive, and museums were being looted. But now that things have stabilized over there, with the advent of the Internet and online auctions, and the demand for high end Soviet orders and medals, the scammers are out in force, wanting to separate YOU from your $$$.

The stuff you acquired through legit dealers early on, is safe. It's the stuff out there today that you have to be careful about.

I think this site, with everyone's imput, has prevented neophyte collectors from being scammed, and have saved them $$$$! But beware, I would not be surprised if this site has been infiltrated by scammers, hoping to glean information about how we detect fakes. So keep those precious tidbits to yourself.

When you start collecting, it is imperative that you try to become an expert in detecting fakes.

So far as I know, I have never seen a counterfeit Mongolian Navy Cross nor a Japanese WWII Victory Medal!

HENRY