FAKERY AND HOW TO SPOT IT

[Dick Hosmer]

Following John's suggestion, this was transferred from another post. This will hopefully get the ball rolling. I'll post other thoughts as they come to me, and I'd appreciate other older collectors chiming in as they recall items and events. We do NOT want to make this a guidebook on "how to do it" so use a bit of caution in your descriptions. Fire away!!

"Carbine stocks are probably the most frequently faked item. Wood is easier for Bubba to dick with. Many "fakes" are just improperly combined (or assembled) parts, courtesy of the extremely wide range of interchangeability. Become aware of different color and patina on parts that should match. Know what parts go with which model. A lot of "fakes" are honest combinations of repairs and/or replacements with no intent to deceive. Carbines, or any of the limited-production items, are the most frequently faked items. Few rifles are intentionally fooled with, there being no point to do so.

The case of 12221, involving a particular serial number is rare - WAY out of the norm. Given ANY other number below 48,000, I'd probably (at least from the pictrures) pass that as real, with the possible exception of the cartouche - which does nag at me.

But, in the end, there is really no substitute for years of handling many guns."

[Gijunk]

Mr Hosmer, have recently acquired 1873 carbine with serial number 3111 to add to your list. Thanks Kenneth

[Dick Hosmer]

Mr Hosmer, have recently acquired 1873 carbine with serial number 3111 to add to your list. Thanks Kenneth

Thank you. 3110 has been logged as well.