So Many Really Good EK1 Fakes Around! WW2

[Kelly w]

I was looking at the pinned threads on fakes. Can't believe the amount of really good fakes out there.

How ever in the world will a newbe avoid the fakes, when even the WAF veterans have problems with them. More than 1 fake WW2 EK1 has been sold on e-stand!

Kelly

[JustinG]

Don't let the forgers get the best of you.

Hi Kelly,
While I am not an expert on crosses or anything for that matter. I can understand your pessimism. There are quality fakes that are flooding the market. It makes only sense when a cheap hunk of metal can fetch several hundred dollars, then there will always be those trying to deceive. For all awards I have found there are those small details that make an award/badge unique to that manufacturer. This forum and its members are really good at spotting the fakes. I have never found, people who would not share their knowledge and expertise.
I know that this can be a point of fustration . But, there are some stand up gentlemen here who have shared their wisdom and guidance. Go and dig up some old threads, look at various crosses/awards in different peoples collections. See who you value for an opinion and trust your own opinion.
If looking to purchase, if you are not quite sure of the item, ask for better pictures to focus on areas of possible concern. Post your prospect and I am sure you will get responses. Never feel rushed into making a purchase. After all, a genuine example will be priced accordingly to what fair market value dictates.
Best of luck in your collecting endeavors.
Regards,
JustinG

Sorry, I realize that you probably already know this. I just wanted to kind of give a pep talk.

"Don't let the B@stards get you!"

[AFF96]

Hi Kelly,
While I am not an expert on crosses or anything for that matter. I can understand your pessimism. There are quality fakes that are flooding the market. It makes only sense when a cheap hunk of metal can fetch several hundred dollars, then there will always be those trying to deceive. For all awards I have found there are those small details that make an award/badge unique to that manufacturer. This forum and its members are really good at spotting the fakes. I have never found, people who would not share their knowledge and expertise.
I know that this can be a point of fustration . But, there are some stand up gentlemen here who have shared their wisdom and guidance. Go and dig up some old threads, look at various crosses/awards in different peoples collections. See who you value for an opinion and trust your own opinion.
If looking to purchase, if you are not quite sure of the item, ask for better pictures to focus on areas of possible concern. Post your prospect and I am sure you will get responses. Never feel rushed into making a purchase. After all, a genuine example will be priced accordingly to what fair market value dictates.
Best of luck in your collecting endeavors.
Regards,
JustinG

Sorry, I realize that you probably already know this. I just wanted to kind of give a pep talk.

"Don't let the B@stards get you!"

Very WISE words Justin I would have saved ton's of $$ and frustration had I found good ol' WAF sooner!
Greg

[Darrell]

"Really good Fakes" are in the eye of the beholder. If you know what to look for in originals ... not so good.

[TRAVLRSEASIA]

Ek1 reproductions

I have to agree with Darrell; once you have been collecting Eks for several years, it is very hard to be fooled by the reproductions. I do agree the quality of the fakes has seen marked improvement, and it is far more difficult to discern the reproductions in EK2s. But, once a person has handled the real item long enough, especially with Ek1s, it is hard to be taken.