An old note on reproductions

[mm1]

Hi All,

just going through some old Crown Imperial magazines and spotted this from sept 1977 regarding the publications efforts to stop reproductions.

Be safe, Mark

[Waterloo1815]

Mark,
As I said elsewhere in the forum (War Dept stamp inquiry), I am new to badge collecting and now suspect that I have purchased a number of fakes/copies/ restrikes (not sure what the correct term is), and your post has made me even more aware now of how careful I have to be in future purchases if this sort of thing has being going on since the seventies! The only badges I'm 100% sure of now are the ones given to me by my father and uncles (including dog tags, cloth badges, medals etc) who all served in WW2 & started off my interest when I was a school kid.
Regards,
Leo

[mm1]

Hi Leo,

I have only been collecting badges for around 4 years now and I find the best place to purchase badges is here on the forum or dealers reccomended by other members on here. However, it is easy to get drawn in to buying elsewhere as I have done over the years and I end up asking for opinions on the forum. But, saying that, it is the best way to learn - if you buy a wrong un' then find out what is bad about it and you might not make same mistake again.
Even seasoned collectors on the forum still get bitten now and again !

Good hunting,

Mark

[Waterloo1815]

Mark, many thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm learning fast now I've found this forum, it's a godsend.
Regards,
Leo

[lifeochil]

The question to ask is what percentage of people who sell fakes has been prosecuted in the world? 10%, 5% or even 1%? If it's any of those it's a drop in the ocean and makes no difference.

If you collect just from people on a single forum or dealers that are trusted or 'mates' with the forum then imo you're limiting your collecting experience. Knowledge allows you to collect from anywhere.
Leo should find someone he can trust which will be a challenge in itself. That person needs to know what they're talking about and is prepared to impart with their knowledge. That also won't be easy but like everything in life, it's a learning experience. Good luck.

[Waterloo1815]

Many thanks, any advice is welcome. I've already drawn up my own 'avoid' list based on what I've already learnt from this forum. Hopefully I can replace the duds I've bought with some genuine articles as I go forward with my collecting.
Regards,
Leo