Fake: SPACE BADGE

[SpaceCadet1983]

Warning to forum members: this is a common copy of an original Breast Sign to Honorary Title <Cosmonautics Veteran of Russia> currently listed on E. The seller says:

"This is a rare ORIGINAL 1960's Russian Space Program pinback made especially for cosmonauts (astronauts) - so you can well imagine that there are VERY few of these around. The writing translates to "Veteran of Soviet Space Program" and there is an image of a meteor, stars and the planet Earth.":chuckle:chuckle:laff

"While there are MANY fake Russian medals all over the Internet, this is absolutely guaranteed to be authentic. Measures about 1 1/2 inches across. Good condition - some slight surface wear, but NO chips or cracks in the inlay.":chuckle:chuckle:laff:

"SPECIAL NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: This item can not be sent to Russia, ironically. It is a serious crime to transport this category of item across the Russian border (counted as a national historic artifact, or some similar wording.)":laff:laff:laff

In actuality, this is a common copy of a Cosmonautics Federation of Russia Breast Sign to Honorary Title <Cosmonautics Veteran of Russia>, which was instituted on December 6, 1996. The meteor the seller refers to is Sputnik, the Earth's first artificial satellite. On the reverse of the real badge is the inscription: <COSMONAUTICS FEDERATION OF RUSSIA> along the upper periphery. The St. Petersburg Mint's trademark is placed in the lower part. Quantity: 800 pieces. The authentic badge is shown in the third picture from the left.

Buyer beware!:thumbsdown:thumbsdown:thumbsdown
Rare! ORIGINAL 1960's RUSSIAN COSMONAUT PIN /astronaut - eBay (item 140251398331 end time Jul-30-08 20:00:00 PDT)

[neferet]

:laff:laff:laff

Such articles 100% originals are often frequent on that page auction

What is worrying that the seller has 99.3% positive feedback. This shows that the positive vote is not always a guarantee.

Greetings

[ericlida]

Originally Posted by neferet

:laff:laff:laff

Such articles 100% originals are often frequent on that page auction

What is worrying that the seller has 99.3% positive feedback. This shows that the positive vote is not always a guarantee.

Greetings

The sellers not always know that the badge is only a copy.

[neferet]

Hi:
If the seller was not sure that is not a copy, should not sell it as 100% original. Not all buyers are few experts in USSR militaria.
I think it's more honest to warn that the seller is not an expert and does not know with certainty their authenticity ... but well get a lower price

[ericlida]

Originally Posted by neferet

Hi:
If the seller was not sure that is not a copy, should not sell it as 100% original. Not all buyers are few experts in USSR militaria.
I think it's more honest to warn that the seller is not an expert and does not know with certainty their authenticity ... but well get a lower price

I am not saying that the seller is right. Saying that the seller is dishonest sometimes is not right either. Some seller have no idea that there are copies and original badges. He might bought it as an original, and selling as 100% original.
I think it would be appropriate (if you care :D) to inform the seller. If he does not change the description after the information ....:rolleyes:
Eric

[SpaceCadet1983]

I thought about informing the seller, but noticed Art's posting about not interfering in E auctions....
Posting #1, On Contacting EBay Bidders during an Auction, 07-08-2002.

Now I know the barracks lawyers among you might see a loophole, but I'm open to seeing forum members discuss this issue.:)

Thanks!
Mike

[ericlida]

Originally Posted by SPACECADET1983

I thought about informing the seller, but noticed Art's posting about not interfering in E auctions....
Posting #1, On Contacting EBay Bidders during an Auction, 07-08-2002.

Now I know the barracks lawyers among you might see a loophole, but I'm open to seeing forum members discuss this issue.:)

Thanks!
Mike

Mike
Contacting eBay BIDDERS might be a bad idea. However, letting know the seller that his medal, badge, etc is a fake or copy, I don't think is a problem. It is up to the seller to make or not to make a change (to be or not to be :D) in his description.

[SpaceCadet1983]

Originally Posted by ericlida

Mike
Contacting eBay BIDDERS might be a bad idea. However, letting know the seller that his medal, badge, etc is a fake or copy, I don't think is a problem. It is up to the seller to make or not to make a change (to be or not to be :D) in his description.

Eric,
I agree. I went ahead and sent the following message to the seller:

Hi! I thought you might not know this, but your badge is a copy, not an authentic Cosmonautics Veteran of Russia badge. The award was instituted on December 6, 1996. The authentic badges were minted at the St. Petersburg Mint and limited to 800 pieces. This info is from SPACE EXPLORATION AWARDS:Catalog, Volume I by Vassily A. Omelko. The book also has a picture of an authentic badge and detailed description, which I can provide to you if you are interested. Regards, Mike

We'll see what he does with this information. I noticed the bids were starting to pile up.:)
Mike

[ericlida]

Originally Posted by SPACECADET1983

Eric,
I agree. I went ahead and sent the following message to the seller:

Hi! I thought you might not know this, but your badge is a copy, not an authentic Cosmonautics Veteran of Russia badge. The award was instituted on December 6, 1996. The authentic badges were minted at the St. Petersburg Mint and limited to 800 pieces. This info is from SPACE EXPLORATION AWARDS:Catalog, Volume I by Vassily A. Omelko. The book also has a picture of an authentic badge and detailed description, which I can provide to you if you are interested. Regards, Mike

We'll see what he does with this information. I noticed the bids were starting to pile up.:)
Mike

Mike
Great. It is interesting to see what he would do.
Anyway, if he sells his "original" badge for $10-15, it would be a fair price.
I doubt it would go higher.

[SpaceCadet1983]

So far the seller of this badge hasn't responded to my email nor changed his listing to reflect the truth about this badge. Oh, well....:(