OGPU badge - too good to be true?

[Разведка]

How about these two? I'm a little concerned about the rivets on the back of the enameled one, and the numbers on the 'worn' one. Thanks!

[Разведка]

Before I commit, I'm hoping that the esteemed members of the forum might look at this one - 5th anniversary OGPU badge. Much appreciated! :D

[CtahhR]

This seller is famous for offering fakes. Nothing more needs to be said.

[Tommy]

Too true.

Very rare badge, E*** isnt the place to be getting one of these.

Tom

[CtahhR]

It would very much be a case of "buy it now" - regret it later.
As Tommy has implied these sort of items must only been obtained from the most reliable of known sources unless you wish to waste your money. There are far more fake than real of this Badge.

[Greg Collins]

These badges are a good example of why a good reference material is needed; in this case, I recommend, " Cheka, Soviet Secret Police Awards 1917-1995" by Cdr. Robert Pandis. Based on the examples in the book, which are absolutely genuine, you can readily see the "silver head" is not genuine- the easiest indicator is that a real one would be of multi-piece construction. Also, the details in the face are just not right. A recently made badge with spot silver plating, maybe worth 5 bucks. The dark badge "soft" details look as if it were made from a sand casting. Also, I see absolutely no trace of red (there is usually a bit here and there if you look carefully enough). Anyway, save the money you would have given for the badge and use a part of it for the book I mentioned. It's worth it.

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by Greg Collins

These badges are a good example of why a good reference material is needed; in this case, I recommend, " Cheka, Soviet Secret Police Awards 1917-1995" by Cdr. Robert Pandis. Based on the examples in the book, which are absolutely genuine, you can readily see the "silver head" is not genuine- the easiest indicator is that a real one would be of multi-piece construction. Also, the details in the face are just not right. A recently made badge with spot silver plating, maybe worth 5 bucks. The dark badge "soft" details look as if it were made from a sand casting. Also, I see absolutely no trace of red (there is usually a bit here and there if you look carefully enough). Anyway, save the money you would have given for the badge and use a part of it for the book I mentioned. It's worth it.

Everything Greg says is spot on - including Pandis' book (I just got in the latest edition). One more thing: these fakes are very seldom the right dimensions. I'd ask for measurements just for kicks. Don't engage in any further chat with this seller because it's bound to be of a foolish and dubious nature as are most of the items for sale there.:rolleyes:

Phillip

[Разведка]

Thank you! I very much appreciate all of the input. Interestingly, I asked the seller point blank whether or not this was an original, or a reproduction and he replied, stating "It's a repro." Granted, that's not in the posting.

Is there a list of sellers on this forum that are reliable? I've been pointed to a few by some very kind folks here, but it would certainly be helpful to identify people and places that, in addition to those who sell here, have a good reputation. That said, if it's a violation of forum rules, I understand.

[CtahhR]

My attitude (which certainly isn't on that is universally shared) is to wait for a source you can trust to have what you want rather than looking for something you want from any source.
There are some sources that can be trusted 1000% with any level of transaction (looking very close to the forum here) and some sources that not only would I not trust with the most common of items but I also wouldn't trust them to not rip me off on postage.

There are three forum members I buy from with some frequency and I am so certain of their correct behaviour that I would be and have been happy to send funds prior to stock arriving, with the certainty that they will find something for me. The spectrum has two ends though. There are some "dealers" out there that is it questionable if anything would arrive after payment let alone fakes.

On my own personal "list" there are 6 dealers that I explicitly trust. If you look at the number of people dealing, you will find that 6 is an extremely finite selection.

I'm sure the names suggested to you as reliable source swill have a general echo to them, as will those to avoid.

If you want a guarantee of service and product, purchasing from listings on the forum marketplace is considerably safer than elsewhere, as items that are fake must be offered as such with incorrect behaviour resulting in banning (and often a public discussion).
There are feedback ratings and the such that can be checked. I know I've left a few hundred positive feedbacks - due to having some very positive experiences.