Militaria ---- Legit?

[Specster]

I have a real seething desire to acquire and hold military artifacts fro many wars of a vast period of ages. Yet, when I tried to step up my game and buy a little more it seems like the system is contrived. My experience has been sellers expect you to take them on their word that the artificat is genuine and when I start looking hard (with magnets, magnifying loops, etc.) MANY get real uncomfortable and avoid questions. Am I wrong? It seems like there are some big players in most every region and they often get a leg up.

 

[UCVRelics]

Never take any at their word. Know what you are looking at and looking for. Research Research Research. If they will not take the time to talk with you or shy away from questions, WALK AWAY. Even some of the well known dealers have a dark side.

 

[Sheltowee]

So you're getting ready to drop a grand on an exquisite rifle….. and actually want to verify what you are paying for?
How dare you?!?

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

You have come to the right place, Specster. Some of our members will be able to help you specifically.
Here are some basics:

Things to check for:
- Provenance of the piece/s
- Look for signs of restoration or damage
- Handle the item. Pick it up, put it down. Repeat. Look at the bottom, top, sides
- Never pose as a Trade buyer, as you might lose your consumer protection rights.
- Never offer cash, until you agree on a purchase price and paying by check or credit card
- Always get a receipt
- Look for the odd one out - Ex: ceramics at a jewelry booth/shop, or bronze at a silver dealer's display
- Going to an auction house? Know the auction procedures
- Verify that the dealer/seller is a member of the Antiques and Collectables National Association or American Antique Dealers Association, etc.
- Be aware fakes, reproductions and forgeries

--BBF

 

[johan_steele]

Buy the artifact, never the story. It's like any other hobby. There are good people and not.

 

[OldSarge79]

I've learned that there are three kinds of dealers:

Those I trust completely (This is a very short list.)
Those I don't trust at all. (This list is a tad longer.)
Those I don't know. (For these I use the proverbial grain of salt until I know more, and are by default on the "do not trust" list until I know differently.)

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I have a real seething desire to acquire and hold military artifacts from many wars …

Careful! A "seething desire"of any sort can lead to poor choices - and I should make clear that this is not aimed at you in particular, but just a general observation. I myself have lived a good long while, married for most if that time, and if I ever tell my wife that I am feeling "a seathing desire" for anything, she gives me a sharp look, and without knowing the object of my seething desire, her poineqa look makes me remember that I had better use my careful judgment about satisfying that desire.

 

[JOHN42768]

Pretty well covered in the above post. The one thing I would lean the heaviest on is being familiar with particular firearm you are interested in. Books, books & more books are your friends. Knowing the firearm will be to your advantage in the long run. As to provenance, that is another ballgame entirely. Stories and word of mouth are exactly just that, close to worthless.

 

[Old Soldier]

One of our dealers was advertising a Brevete-type (unofficial copy - probably Belgian) Colt pocket revolver. at a real knockdown price - waaaay below what you would expect, even for a Brevete-type. It just didn't look right and although the trigger guard and frame had matching serials, the barrel had none. The barrel did not seem to fit right and there was no barrel wedge either. I was tempted, but it was still too much to play with!

 

[UCVRelics]

I have a rule that if they have to explain it, don't buy it

 

[Specster]

Careful! A "seething desire"of any sort can lead to poor choices - and I should make clear that this is not aimed at you in particular, but just a general observation. I myself have lived a good long while, married for most if that time, and if I ever tell my wife that i am feeling "a seathing desire" for anything, she gives me a sharp look, and without knowing what my seething desire is armed at, her look makes me remember that I had better use my careful judgment about satisfying that desire.

No I get that vis-a-vis my wife but learned long ago to let her spend on historic items (AKA items which will soon be historic, in the worst way), and I will spend on mine, and for the better part we will both be blind to the consequence.....although I responsible for all the expenses

 

[Specster]

Buy the artifact, never the story. It's like any other hobby. There are good people and not.

Hi John, Have not communicated with you for a long time. I always had trust in your advice. That comes with years of reading what and who is legitimate and who and what is not. Glad to see you are well Best regards RFG

 

[Specster]

You have come to the right place, Specster. Some of our members will be able to help you specifically.
Here are some basics:

Things to check for:
- Provenance of the piece/s
- Look for signs of restoration or damage
- Handle the item. Pick it up, put it down. Repeat. Look at the bottom, top, sides
- Never pose as a Trade buyer, as you might lose your consumer protection rights.
- Never offer cash, until you agree on a purchase price and paying by check or credit card
- Always get a receipt
- Look for the odd one out - Ex: ceramics at a jewelry booth/shop, or bronze at a silver dealer's display
- Going to an auction house? Know the auction procedures
- Verify that the dealer/seller is a member of the Antiques and Collectables National Association or American Antique Dealers Association, etc.
- Be aware fakes, reproductions and forgeries

--BBF

Thank you, people on this site have helped me vet items for years to great effect I enjoyed your post but I am sending my electrons off to their quarters without diner just because I can...