Here we go...

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All we need is this little item out there to aid the fakers. Honestly, probably nothing new.

I am becoming disillusioned with this hobby. Brian

One thing I can see happening is the mountains of faded British belts having one of these "aged" stamps applied for the purpose of the big bucks that the originals normally get. Beware!

If anyone hasn't noticed, there have been people applying fake stamps to items and selling them online for at least a few years already. We live in the age where practically anything can be faked or enhanced. Will the sale of these stamps have a great impact on our hobby? I don't think so. Most people are still fairly honest. Besides, the application of a new stamp to a used piece of gear should be detectible.

I noted the in the sellers description they say they will include instructions. Also, in the description, they give people a broad view on how to perform fakery

this is great

It is actually a good thing that the fakery is pointed out. Thanks for the link Dale. Knowledge is the key to making one's collection what they want it to be. Some collectors don't seem too concerned about questionable items in their collections. Others only want to have iron clad provenanced material.
If I know the parameters within which I am collecting, I am less likely to be taken. Having the information about what is suspect or what to watch for is key to protecting my collection. The problem of fakes and forgeries is not going to go away, so if one wants to collect, and wants only authentic material, an education in the arts of fakery is essential. This is only the tip of the iceberg. 3d copiers are becoming more and more common, and are now able to use other materials. Absolutely perfect copies can be made, and in particular think of the impact on plastic Canadian Parachute Regt, Garrison Regt (very scarce badge), and the British plastic economy issue badges. But, even the copies can't mimic every aspect. And the copiers are moving into other areas, like other resin based kit.
I compared the auction Broad Arrow C, and it has several distinguishing characteristics that were not on authentic broad arrow C items marked items in my accumulation. However, there must be hundreds of stamps that were made and used. (Interesting question, who made or controlled the stamps? I am sure the gov't of the day was concerned about forgery as well.)
The invasion of copy badges, supsect helmets, made up uniforms has made the hobby more challenging, but it is still fascinating and fun. Each collector is going to have to make some serious decisions about their collecting, but we have the tools to protect collecting. Just keep the information flowing.

Here we have another fake rubber stamp being offered.

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"I compared the auction Broad Arrow C, and it has several distinguishing characteristics that were not on authentic broad arrow C items marked items in my accumulation."

Exactly Bill.... I too noticed the difference in the stamps. Perhaps that's why I felt it would be detectable but it wouldn't be too difficult for someone to make a much more accurate fake stamp if they put a little effort into it. I also only want genuine items in my collection but I'm not willing at this point to get too upset about these stamps as they represent just one of the challenges faced by collectors and it's not going to stop me from pursuing my hobby.

Seems they have a rubber stamp for everything! :P

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