Collar Tabs (anti-aircraft / major & lieutenant) fakes?

[SammyT]

Just wanted to get your thoughts on these tabs. I'm pretty sure they are fakes but wanted to verify. Thanks.

[SammyT]

here is the Lieutenant.

[PaulR]

I dont think that they are fakes... especially that second set.

[SammyT]

Paul, what second set are you referring to, the major or the lieutenant? Also, here are some pics under black light, along with a piece of paper that was pinned to the Lieutenant tabs. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

These two pics are the Major tabs under black light. Under black light the red color still looks red on these. Not sure if that is good/bad or means anything at all. Also, looks like there is glowing to the glue on the back?

[SammyT]

These are the lieutanant tabs. Under black light the red color is no longer visible but now appears blue in color. Again, I don't know if this means anything of the quality or authenticity. Also, the entire burlap/fiber backing noticibly glows.

[SammyT]

Lastly, these are picks of a tiny sheet of paper that was pinned to the lieutenant tabs. The front has what appears to be numbers on it, "3.55". The reverse has some german wording on it. Also, the straight pin appears to be an old style pin.

[PaulR]

Hi,

My opinion remains unchanged.

[SammyT]

Great! Let me ask you this. Why do the backings glow so much? Would glue used during that period create a glow? Also, would you know why one tab shows up as red under black light and the other shows up as blue in color. The material feels the same. Did diferent manufacturers use different qualities/types of material in making their tabs?

[Scott C.]

I can't speak to why the cardboard glows, but I know UV light can alter the original color of an item. I have a LW tunic that has solid yellow piping around the collar. Under UV light, the piping glows brown and blue in alternating stripes...

[SammyT]

Ok, that gives me some reassurance. Thanks.

[Willi Z.]

Try the "sticky finger" test. It has never failed me.

Yes, there are all types of backings which were used. The glue is the key to me.

[Renaud]

Try the "sticky finger" test. It has never failed me.

The glue is the key to me.

Willi, what do you mean by sticky finger test and by the glue is the key ?

[SammyT]

Willi,what is the sticky finger test?

[Gary B]

Hi,

I have no problemn with these tabs. The 1st pair shown, MAJ, exhibit an unusual embroidery pattern forthe gulls. The 2nd set shown, LT, are textbook.

The cardboard piece you shows appears to be a price tag which was affixed to the LT tab with a pin. A nice tough. Yuo occasionally find tabs with a price sticker or tag affixed to the tab though I have not seen a pin used before.

As to the sticky finger test I beleive Willi is recommending you wet your finger and tap it on the buckram to see if the glue becomes sticky. If it does then this is a modern tab.

(Paul, I sent you a PM)

Gary B

[SammyT]

Thanks for the clarification Gary. I did the sticky finger test and it was not sticky. So that is more good news for me. I'd also like to correct myself. I said the one set of tabs was Major, but is actually Lt. Colonel.

Another question for you. If these tabs are of the period, why do you think the backing and glue appears to glow? Also, why the change in red color on the lieutenant and not the lt. colonel?