I don't see any problems with this wrap from the photos, but like everthing I would want to carefully examine it in person.
A couple of things seem to always get overlooked in these discussions:
1. Who is to say that a given "faker" is not as or more expert in what is right than any and all of us?
2. Some questionable characteristic (to someone) can be found on most any even 100% original item with this much complexity. A wound badge or a messkit may be easy for an expert to call for sure one way or the other, but a officer's set up tunic with always non-factory insignia can be quite another matter.
As far as evaluating a wrap like this I think that that the same approach that we have for 30-40 years has to be used. Is the base wrap an original? If yes and if it is contract/issue what traces of the factory insigina(sleeve eagle only or tabs as well?) can be seen? Is the insignia period? Is the wear on the insigna consistant with the tunic? Is the insgina thread old, correct and show any oxidation..esp. on the top sides....you will neeed a loop or better still a lighted scope.
There is no need of cloak and dagger or pretending that only a chosen few have the GIFT....this is bread butter stuff. It helps if you have looked at hundreds of tunics in this way, but there is no magic and there are no gurus.
A couple of things seem to always get overlooked in these discussions:
1. Who is to say that a given "faker" is not as or more expert in what is right than any and all of us?
2. Some questionable characteristic (to someone) can be found on most any even 100% original item with this much complexity. A wound badge or a messkit may be easy for an expert to call for sure one way or the other, but a officer's set up tunic with always non-factory insignia can be quite another matter.
As far as evaluating a wrap like this I think that that the same approach that we have for 30-40 years has to be used. Is the base wrap an original? If yes and if it is contract/issue what traces of the factory insigina(sleeve eagle only or tabs as well?) can be seen? Is the insignia period? Is the wear on the insigna consistant with the tunic? Is the insgina thread old, correct and show any oxidation..esp. on the top sides....you will neeed a loop or better still a lighted scope.
There is no need of cloak and dagger or pretending that only a chosen few have the GIFT....this is bread butter stuff. It helps if you have looked at hundreds of tunics in this way, but there is no magic and there are no gurus.
....I learned that the only thing people fear in this hobby is to be on the outs with the "in crowd" or to be wrong once in awhile and admit it..the later being the most painful thing a collector or dealer can do.
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