Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 (edited) Yes, I know that so many patches on Ebay are fake/unauthorized repros, but for some reason this one bothers me a lot. First, I have what I believe is a respectable collection of Jolly Rogers patches (VF-17/61/84/103), the most valuable being the VF-61 patches (1950's). I know the styles and stitching they used in this time (some photos at the bottom of this). An apparently reputed Ebay seller has this up now. The edge and bottom and back REALLY look like something vintage from the appropriate time. But look at the skull and bones. First, this style of bones was NOT used on patches until the 80's. And, if you look, you can see how new/fresh the threads there seem. This is a FAKE!!! Second, from the same seller, compare the previous skull and bones with this one, ALLEGED (falsely) to be a VF-61 patch. I've concluded the two were created by exactly the same pattern, possibly in the same machine. I find myself truly angered at these two patches, although these are hardly the exception, I know. If I'm wrong about any of my observations, I'd truly love to be educated. Incidentally, here are 2 views of my best JR patches, most of the top row being authentic VF-61 patches (Jolly Rogers in the 1950's). I confirm the styles via photos in cruise books that the JRs deployed on. So, although I don't know it all, I do have a clue of what I speak. Edited March 22 by Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Geoff M Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 The internet holds so much promise for helping you find the things you are looking for and the opportunity for people to scam you. Thanks for the warning. That is a great collection of patches. You must have a real fondness for skull and crossbones. 👍 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted March 22 Author Share Posted March 22 2 minutes ago, Geoff M said: The internet holds so much promise for helping you find the things you are looking for and the opportunity for people to scam you. Thanks for the warning. That is a great collection of patches. You must have a real fondness for skull and crossbones. 👍 Thank you! Years in the making. I find myself wanting to say something snarky to the seller, but I can't imagine I'd do any bit of good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
STEN8 Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 Say something snarky to the seller. First, politely question the authenticity of the patch, get him/her/it on record as confirming the legitimacy, THEN say something snarky. Something cutting, then report them to E-Bay. Or report them to E-Bay without saying a word. If you know it is fraud, and it flicks you that hard -and I don't blame you one bit - absolutely call it out. Absolutely. Most of us have things we cherish, real things, with real memories associated with them. Shoddy fakes devalue those things in a shabby way. On the positive side, that is one sweet display of patches, and you must get a smile every time you look at it. Well done. Lot of kerosene and Old Spice lingering there. Just my thoughts. Harry Lutz, FL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
airmechaja Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 Like many other things, Caveat Emptor. Nice collection you have. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
thegoodsgt Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 Buy something inexpensive and give fair feedback on it, but add a remark about the seller's other items. E.g., "Very nice patch, but be aware that other patches listed by this seller appear to be fakes. Fakes can be difficult to identify, so do your research before buying an expensive patch." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ReccePhreak Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 1 hour ago, thegoodsgt said: Buy something inexpensive and give fair feedback on it, but add a remark about the seller's other items. E.g., "Very nice patch, but be aware that other patches listed by this seller appear to be fakes. Fakes can be difficult to identify, so do your research before buying an expensive patch." VERY good suggestion! Instead of just reporting the scammer straight out, buy something inexpensive first & THEN give your suggested SCAM Report! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted March 22 Author Share Posted March 22 (edited) 2 hours ago, thegoodsgt said: Buy something inexpensive and give fair feedback on it, but add a remark about the seller's other items. E.g., "Very nice patch, but be aware that other patches listed by this seller appear to be fakes. Fakes can be difficult to identify, so do your research before buying an expensive patch." Oh, I like that..... Maybe what adds to the trouble for me is the guy has over 22,000 feedback/reviews with 99.9% positives. I just wrote to him on both auctions, which end tomorrow, but am expecting nothing....sad since the bigger one has 26 people watching it, many presumably ready to pounce, and it's already up to $25. I predict it will be well into three digits at the end. Edited March 22 by Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
STEN8 Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 That is just underhanded enough to appear to all my baser instincts. Well played! Bravo Zulu!!! Harry Lutz, FL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Posted March 23 Author Share Posted March 23 (edited) Well, been over a day, and seller never responded to my messages on either item. Not surprised. Their auctions end in a few hours, and a LOT of folks are watching it, presumably many of them ready to pounce on these fakeries (new word). The main one is already up to $41, with 5 hours left. Angers me. Some would really appreciate it as a slightly inaccurate repro, but the fact that it's being passed off as an authentic item angers me to no end. Edited March 23 by Andrew D. the Jolly Rogers guy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Smith Posted March 23 Share Posted March 23 Just don’t try to buy NGK spark plugs on eBay or Amazon. 99% guaranteed you’ll get a fake. Yes, even a $7 to $9 spark plugs is faked these days. EBay is pushing all kinds of TV ads about authenticity. Report him. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Da SWO Posted March 23 Share Posted March 23 I know your frustration. In 1984 I had team patches made in Korea. 2024, I find copies on ebay listed as authentic Vietnam War memorabilia. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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