Claudius

Oh I believe you are sincere Vitaly. You have every intention on continuing to make medal bars that will pass close inspection...because you can. Other than the crimes of passion, the prisons are filled with individuals who didn't see anything wrong with what they did. Especially fraud. Why else do they have to lock them up? Nobody is going to say; "I listened to my trial and heard the verdict. I agree I should serve time for my crime." It's only an empathic person that realizes that I don't want to hurt others because I don't want to be hurt. Or if I don't care about myself, to someone I love. You wouldn't want someone to sell phony stocks to your mother. That might make you angry, but the person who duped your mother wouldn't care at all. You are working on your craft, and they are working on their swindle.

Something naval aviation? What does say in the center? What is the rest of the string?

Hauptmann rank or higher. The lack of a LS ribbon is also notable.

No, citizen arrests are more common with apprehensions for community police departments. Federal agencies wouldn't recognize or allow citizens to undertake their arrests. They use judges to sign warrants for search and seizures.

There may be some deeper issues here. The bar was clearly made to closely match period techniques and materials to create a forgery. To paraphrase the legal statement below for this situation, if the Maker/Seller of the piece created something to hang in the home with no intent to sell as original, no crime is committed. However, if the Buyer wanted something so close to the original that may one day sell as original, then forgery charges could follow. Vitaly may not be in trouble for creating and selling to 91-old-inf-reg. a medalbar that is a forgery because he wasn't paid the equivalent of what an original bar would sell for, but if 91-old-inf-reg keeps it as an original piece, then he might be charged with a forgery and the Feds will want to know, and they will want to know who he commissioned to get it. It would be then that Vitaly would be added to an INTERPOL list of known forgers. For safety sake, Vitaly and 91-old-inf-reg should consult with their attorneys to make sure this transaction does not attract Federal attention, and going forward Vitaly may want to get clear legal direction about any creations he makes. I know in the USA there are law against creating forgeries, but I don't know the laws in Ireland. There could be fines and perhaps short jail time. WHITE COLLAR CRIMES: WHAT CONSTITUTES ART FORGERY? "Creating fake art, changing an existing art piece in an attempt to increase the value, and selling a fake art piece as original art can all lead to art forgery charges. If there is no proof of intent to commit larceny or fraud, or to deceive another party, forgery charges will not likely stand. If a person replicates a famous, valuable art piece as a decorative object to hang in his or her home with no intent to sell it as an original piece, no crime was committed. However, if an attempt is made to sell this piece as an original, forgery charges could follow... "

Hello Vitaly; I guess you don't understand the spirit of my question. When you made the bar, what did you do that would make it distinguishable from a period bar? Certainly using modern threads that glow under black light would not distract an owner from enjoying the bar and then it would always carry the "tell" that it is a modern assembly. You didn't do that. Your follow up comment regarding the construction was that it was "very close but not exactly". In your opinion, how is it not exactly? And what would you have done if you wanted to have a flawless forgery?

Just how good of a reproduction is it? How is the stitching under the felt look? Do the threads glow under black light?

Great photo!! What is the medal in first position?

Hello; The second photo close-up appears to be the Imp. Russian Service in the Caucasus cross, 1864. Or at least, the photographer painted that on. Could you also provide a close-up on the medals area especially the throat award. I can't see it very well, but it kind of looks like a 19th century Order of the Lion and the Sun.

Just a quick update; The contact at the Carl und Liselott Diem -Archiv was most helpful. He provided me with information that I hope to further explore, however the Archiv will be closed until July 25. Stay tuned.

This isn't much of solution, but it might get the "Special Seller" attention. For every photo of yours that he stole and is offering for sale on eBay, you post the exact same photo for sale. Even copy/paste the special seller's language for your description. The reason? Most buyers on eBay are searching ALL items in their category. They are going to find the duplicate posting and wonder what is going on? Who has the real photo (if either seller)? This will throw the bogus photos into disrepute and should dampen the sales price. Second, the Special Seller may contact you and ask why you are stealing his description and photo for your listing. He may even want to report you to eBay police. At this point the irony is complete. Stealing from thieves is not theft. You mentioned in your latest post that you use more copy protection materials in the future and sadly i think this is your most practical and logical next step.

Thank you!

Hello; Does anyone have the WWI regimental history for Königin Elisabeth Garde Grenadier Rgt. Nr.3? I am reading a soldier's diary and he calls his unit "Elizabeth Rg." . From August 1914 forward he mentions the cities he passes through and if they match up with the Königin Elisabeth Garde Grenadier Rgt. Nr.3 it would help confirm the regiment. Thank you in advance.