Fake Academy Badges

[deValcourt]

I've got one of these and there is another one for sale on ePay. Having read all of the above, I guess my question of authenticity won't be answered on the first picture because the seller did not post one of the reverse.

As for the one I have (second and subsequent photos) there is an "island" as was mentioned in post #40 for the scroll to sit in, but at the same time, it would have to be glued in place because there are no rivets on the reverse and it is definitely a "steel" version.

Are there any real Miltary Political academies/universities that would put only "VPU" in the scroll?

Phillip

[Tretov]

Originally Posted by devalcourt

Are there any real Miltary Political academies/universities that would put only "VPU" in the scroll?

Phillip

I won't take any stand on the authenticity - but yes, VPU means:

военно-политическое училище
Military political school

[deValcourt]

The star seems strangely larger at the top than it should be and the enamel is even more peculiar with its "rays." I've had it for years and didn't pay much for it so I'm not terribly disappointed that it is very likely a fake.

Still, what about the first one that is for sale?

Phillip

[deValcourt]

I may have stumbled into what I know is the already-existing hi-end reproductions of certain awards. Since we all know I collect mostly KGB and GPU (Cheka) items of this age, I have to ask, if you were a museum curator and pieces like these were offered to you as known reproductions, is it really worth the $499 this seller wants. No doubt, it is beautiful, but it takes money from real awards that don't look as nice. Hmmm...we may have a solution to many of our problems at hand. If the prices for the repros are drawing away possible new buyers of let's say this "new" stuff which would look great in the living room next to....and they take the focus off the real orders, medals and badges and thus collapsing the price values on the bigger ones (Oh, Lawdy, I mights be's a seein' my own real Lenin coming home one day to stay - praise be!):D

Phillip

[EricFG]

Man, what a sweet badge. I can see why you like this stuff. :)

[ibaya]

Originally Posted by devalcourt

Hmmm...we may have a solution to many of our problems at hand. If the prices for the repros are drawing away possible new buyers of let's say this "new" stuff which would look great in the living room next to....and they take the focus off the real orders, medals and badges and thus collapsing the price values on the bigger ones (Oh, Lawdy, I mights be's a seein' my own real Lenin coming home one day to stay - praise be!):D

Phillip

I don't know. The flood of high-quality reproductions (or counterfeits, depending on the intent) might satisfy a segment of the collector's market, but I tend to think that the prices for genuine articles would actually go up, because of their increased scarcity, especially for ones with proof of provenance like documents.

The going prices of authentic items are also influenced by the strength the Russian economy, and stepped up enforcement by a resurgent Russian government and national pride. So I'd say the window of opportunity of bargain-basement prices has come and gone - getting the real deal now comes with a price tag.

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by ibaya

I don't know. The flood of high-quality reproductions (or counterfeits, depending on the intent) might satisfy a segment of the collector's market, but I tend to think that the prices for genuine articles would actually go up, because of their increased scarcity, especially for ones with proof of provenance like documents.

The going prices of authentic items are also influenced by the strength the Russian economy, and stepped up enforcement by a resurgent Russian government and national pride. So I'd say the window of opportunity of bargain-basement prices has come and gone - getting the real deal now comes with a price tag.

What you say is absolutely true. I was just carried away in the moment and let my joke stray on a bit too long. My sense of humor is probably limited to me.:rolleyes:

The fact is, some of the reproductions (a very small number - like the one above) actually look better than the originals for display to unknowing eyes because they are new and not beat up or worn. It all starts to go back to the argument for and against high quality fakes for historical/educational value rather than authentic collecting; which for me is simple - do what you are comfortable with, or in this case, can afford. I for one can't afford the copy or the real thing at these prices.:D

Phillip

[ibaya]

Hope springs eternal, but we all need a reality check and pinch ourselves occassionally! :chuckle

Those immaculate replicas can always be good as space fillers or just-to-have items. Heck, people buy quality reproductions of works of pricey art, don't they?

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by ibaya

Hope springs eternal, but we all need a reality check and pinch ourselves occassionally! :chuckle

Those immaculate replicas can always be good as space fillers or just-to-have items. Heck, people buy quality reproductions of works of pricey art, don't they?

You know, you make a really good point there about famous paintings.:thumbsup

[Shocktrooper]

Hello everybody,

can anybody tell me, if this one is the real deal, a fake, a fantasy piece, or whatever !?

Thank you,

Jens*