Originally posted by Wim Vangossum
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The reason that the Fakers, especially the older ones of these kind of items were successful back then, is the same reason as today. Most collectors don't have the first idea about what they collect, and will rely on what their friends tell them. How many times did we see (almost) fights starting because of some people defending information they have absolutely no idea where it came from, but because they read this supposed information in a book written by a friend, or a post of someone on a forum that everyone praises as being "the man" on certain information, they just believe it instead of wanting to get to the bottom of the facts and do their own research.
Sad, but very true, today more than ever. If collectors see a certain item for sale on a Big Dealers site, that is enough "evidence" for them that this item is 100% Genuine
I also believe that Fakers did some homework, and took known withdrawn RZM numbers from the RZM announcements and usded them for badges. For the exact reason you mention, that it would be hard for collectors to "compare" without having other originals from that certain maker. So that is why i have always said that FIRST, before you fight, or decided that someone is wrong and you are right, Do your homework, look at the basic Historical facts, and many of the mistakes that the "Elite" are still making today, can easily be avoided.
If, after searching and exploiting all research possibilities, no facts can be found, (this happens) then move on to logical thinking, taking History into account first. This "Comparison by way of looking at a few internet pictures" and then reaching an opinion that takes place today is sickening ! I read all of the some 69 pages of the NSDAP Membership badge database last night on this forum, and to be honest, lots of the posts and comments are just plain embarrassing, and border on plain insanity. Good pieces being pulled apart and declared fake for silly reasons, and fakes being given the thumbs up.
The fakers know though, that the collector is lazy, most of them don't want to learn, and have no interest in History except to make a quick few dollars !
But Wim, dont forget, we are only talking about Party Badges here, not all small enamel, and certainly not all branches of TR collecting.. so you see, if the Knowledge on the humble Party Badge is in such ruins now, and it is, then think about the rest of the TR items...chaos pur !!
No need to argue with people though, facts are always better, and usually silence the know-it-all collector.
Wim, i leave you with a Joke that i just made up myself, this very minute:
What happens to the modern day collector of TR items if he opens his hand?
He falls out of the tree !
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