Signed Japanese flag with an interesting COA from a bigtime dealer

[Paul G]

While surfing the internet today, I found this flag being offered for sale. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, or really the dealers guarantee of authenticity for life. many will recognize this big time militaria dealer and TV celebrity. The flag looks nice, however there is something just off a bit with the COA. Its funny that a big time dealer , who can guarantee this flag is authentic, does not even know which way the flag should be oriented, as its pictured upside down on the COA. Made me laugh a little

PG-

[GHP]

Sheesh! I wouldn't want THAT in my collection.

Seems like most of the writing was by the same hand (not too well balanced, though mostly correct kanji) -- note the 三 in the recipient's name and in the name in the lower right quadrant at the 5:00 o'clock position.

MOSTLY .... "BU" 武 is missing the little stroke at the top right!

--Guy

[chen]

Sheesh! I wouldn't want THAT in my collection.

Seems like most of the writing was by the same hand (not too well balanced, though mostly correct kanji) -- note the 三 in the recipient's name and in the name in the lower right quadrant at the 5:00 o'clock position.

MOSTLY .... "BU" 武 is missing the little stroke at the top right!

--Guy

[Bob Coleman]

A perfect example that no dealer has knowledge in all fields. The COA and the flag are both a joke.

[chen]

A perfect example that no dealer has knowledge in all fields. The COA and the flag are both a joke.

I have same feeling too

[Geoff Ward]

Do they offer COA's for Items looted from the graves of fallen soldiers? or would those be K.I.A.C.O.A$$$?

[Michael Downey]

A perfect example that no dealer has knowledge in all fields. The COA and the flag are both a joke.

HistoryHunter seems to have no idea at all about Japanese kanji demonstrating this by reproducing the flag upside down in the COA.


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[Paul G]

HistoryHunter seems to have no idea at all about Japanese kanji demonstrating this by reproducing the flag upside down in the COA.


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Which is my point exactly! There are so many nuances to Japanese calligraphy, such as :
Composition with harmony and balance
Variations in strong strokes and delicate strokes
Complete follow through on strokes, no stopping and starting mid stroke
Stroke order.............ect., ect. ect.
In addition to all that, you need to know which side is up. So, if you can't even tell which side is up, how does one accurately judge all the other nuances of Japanese calligraphy? In addition to that, offering a lifetime guarantee on its authenticity??

PG-

[Staldion]

So, if you can't even tell which side is up, how does one accurately judge all the other nuances of Japanese calligraphy? In addition to that, offering a lifetime guarantee on its authenticity??

PG-

You can't, supposing you are a serious expert. But if you arn't, well, it became easy to think you'll sell the flag only to an unexperienced collector. I believe it must be overpriced anyway so with a little knowledge of the market you will not buy it. As there are more newbies than experts in the field the target might be the majority of this population. To someone healthy who just watched BoB or Letters from Iwo this piece of cloth will do the job.

Make me think in a way to all the noise about "Champagne" SS decals. A CoA with lifetime guaranty is easy to produce. But when it comes to honoring your words it's something else.

IMO you can't hide behind "I didn't know" story. If so, just don't do CoA. If you does, be prepare, or CoA is just a marketing argument. Shortly, always buy the item, not it's CoA.

Mathieu.