Future Carbine Authentication

[INLAND44]

Could it be a Naval weapon? AYE AYE SIR!!

---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 AM ----------

Back to original thread: What would stop the faking of the certificates? Easily done on modern computors! GK

Ba-da-bing!

You know what? When a knowledgeable, talented and experienced individual decides to step across to the 'Dark Side' and fake carbines or any other collectible thing, he will be successful, like that painter. Sometimes I think people do this mainly for the thrill of pulling the wool over the eyes of the 'experts'. The crude attempts we usually see, like the stock a few days ago, are unworthy of serious discussion. If there are people who can make a $100 bill that requires study by the Treasury Dep't. to determine if its counterfeit, you have to know that assembling and 'aging' a freaking M1 Carbine would be child's play. Think of the notorious guy from California who sold faked 1911s for years, some of which were bought by experienced collectors. Folks, I think 'the files are already corrupted' in the collectible gun business. I think it can only work against values if collectors themselves lose confidence in being able to authenticate guns on the spot in order to make a good buy.

[DaveHH]

You are proposing vetting an object that would make or break a sale. The process alone would be difficult as to be completely fair, the carbine would have to actually be sent to the evaluator before the sale would complete, few sellers would go for that. Also why even start this when a sizable portion of the collecting universe is actively building "corrected" carbines ?

[ChipS]

Folks, I think 'the files are already corrupted' in the collectible gun business. I think it can only work against values if collectors themselves lose confidence in being able to authenticate guns on the spot in order to make a good buy.

This may be the answer. But if humpers can fool a Larry Ruth after close examination (which I don't believe they can) then how can any collector feel confident in authenticating a carbine 'on the spot'. BTW, I didn't say it but I would expect the actual carbine would be delivered to the appraiser for first hand inspection and high quality photographs taken to document what is being authenticated. I don't know but it seems the alternative is to do nothing, raising the price of the fakes and limiting the value of the treasures. Maybe there is no good answer to this but the purpose of my thread was to kick around some observations, opinions and alternative suggestions.

Also BTW, Charlie, I tried to correct the thread title but by the time old eyes noticed the blurry error the edit option was gone. My spelling and my eyesight don't seem to be improving with time anymore, dang it. ChipS

[shadycon]

My spelling and my eyesight don't seem to be improving with time anymore, dang it. ChipS

Getting old are we, so am I but I still have a few years left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

[Faulkner]

It was often hard enough 20 years ago, before the proliferation of "fake" parts, to authendicate the originality of a carbine. In another 20 years, I don't think they'll be able too.