Askari Cap on Ebay

[stonemint]

This just went for EUR 1.517,00 this week on Ebay.
To me, it looks like the other fakes we have seen, but I am interested in other opinions:



http://www.ebay.de/itm/Original-Aska...vip=true&rt=nc

[Brian Calkins]

I agree that this one looks just like the others. There have been a few cases over the years where a small stockpile of similar or almost identical original headgear has been discovered. However, this is so rare that I am almost certain that these askari hats hare fakes.

[Chip M]

The markings look convincing. I would have to see the reverse of the Wappen to make any assessment. I find it interesting that it appears the material has pilled in a similar fashion to modern synthetic blend fabrics.

Chip

[Brian Calkins]

I would like to add that fabric, which I assume is cotton, or a cotton blend, is a bit "fuzzy". This is a sign of artificial aging. I am pretty confident in the opinion that the same fabric with 100 years of genuine aging would not have a fuzzy surface.
Down with fakers. Let's hope they end up or

[120rir]

Having spent some time in East Africa I would love to acquire some nice Askari pieces for my collection. However, unless they're unequivocally correct and from a dealer with an unimpeachable reputation I wouldn't touch them with a 20-foot (or longer) pole. I just assume everything I see on the market is fake and as two have already noted, the fabric looks suspicious. I have those same little "pills" on my couch at home.

[ROBB]

Private bidders = dodgy . Rob