I can remember a time when WW1 Aerial Flechettes or Aeriel Darts were difficult to find, but now there seem to be a lot more around and they seem to be popular judging by the way they sell. I'm guessing that like almost everything else they are being faked? It must be quite easy to produce these as they are a very simple design. Can anyone please confirm this and is there any way of spotting a fake?
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A couple of years ago I saw several of these on one local show, didn't buy any as I was afraid of fakes and price was not low. This year, I didn't encounter any. Was that a one-time find of originals or a influx of fakes? I'm always suspectful if something (militaria related, of course) that was scarce suddenly becomes abundant without a really good reason. And I agree these darts can be easy to fake, not only b/c of simple design, but also b/c of fact that there's no real reference like period catalogs, and they were for sure produced in several factories/workshops, most likely without strict control or standardisation. I dind't research the subject in detail, but I think there was no special order with specifications and production instructions for these darts, as it is common with decorations, uniforms or weapons. Plus, there are no time-specific materials (like clothes), but only iron, which is more-or-less the same now and hundred years ago, and it can be artificially aged easily within weeks. These are the reasons I'm cautious and suspectful about those.
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