Auction Badges with Lead Seals Attached

[GregN]

Hi all, occaisionally I pick badges with lead seals attached to them from J .Hoare Auctions. In the past I've always snipped these seals off as they are a pain when it comes to displaying the badge. Here's my question: Am I decreasing the value of the badge by removing the seal?

Greg

[Bill A]

Interesting question. Hoare did that to prevent fraudulent practices when the badge was delivered. Some bidders would substitute badges and return a less desireable or outright fake badge to the auction house. The wire / lead seal prevented this. Leaving the seal would indicate that an auctioneer believed the badge to be authentic example in their opinion. I am not sure if this would add to the value. It does add to the provenance.

[Phillip Herring]

I have a number of badges in my collection with the lead seal put on by Edward Denby. Some of these I obtained through him (store/auction) and others came to me through other collectors/dealers, Rosen being one that comes to mind. The plus side, is that a Denby seal at least shows the badge having been around a few years so it is not likely to be a recently manufactured badge (copy, restrike, reproduction etc.)

[GregN]

Well, I clipped the seal off. I won a 88th Victoria Fisiliers Officers badge in the latest auction. The badge is stunning, with makers plaque for GAUNT Montreal on the back. The multi-piece nature and finish make it a difficult badge to repro so I didn't feel that required a provenace aside from my collector notes - date of purchse, origin and amount paid.

I can see where these seals may be important, depending on the badge and will leave them on.

Thanks guys,

Greg

[guest_000]

I would not worry about those seals it was a bit of an ego trip IMO awhile back by a couple auction houses and some dubious badges did get tagged including a 9th battn badge that is still out there which has a silver overlay.