This isn't real is it?

[Army30th]

I didn't know where to put this, so if it needs to be moved, so be it. A few months ago, on another forum, there was a huge discussion that there are a few unscrupulous people in the collecting/selling world of items pertaining to Civil War regalia.

Although it's not expressly stated, I feel that these two items are borderline suggesting that they are real....http://cgi.ebay.com/1861-CARTRIDGE-B...item3cb4eeef4d. and http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-US-CIVI...item3cb4ed422d

One item that leads me to believe it's not, is the P-38 in the picture, which is 81 years out of place. Both items are also named to the same person, a H. Howe in the 119th NY Co. H.

Could I be wrong, and if I'm not, how does one stop such things?

[jeteeple2]

The posting regarding the cartridge box is in violation of the law. It states that gunpowder is part of the items and what appear to be full cartridge tubes are shown. You cannot just go to the post office and ship gunpowder. The listing is also in violation of ebay policies regarding gunpowder and explosive material. If they found out, they would remove this listing.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Oh they're real alright. Real reproductions, and not very good ones to begin with. The first listing doesn't go right out and say "original" like the second one does, but just by listing it as an 1861 cartridge box is your first red flag. The P38 can opener is the least of your worries on this one. I won't go through all of the things that make it just wrong, but one thing is the riveted closure strap. I could go on and on. There is a reason why the site is called EFake, EFRaud, ERape, etc. Its always buyer beware with that and other auction sites.

[Rob Weaver]

Isn't there a way to notify the administrators about suspected fraud? Not everybody is lucky enough to have experts in 1860s militaria at their electronic fingertips.
Those sets are absolutely reproduction. Matters of construction are the final nail in the coffin. Even if I were a collector who knew little about Civil War equipment, I would be very suspicious of how complete the sets are. It's been 150 years, and cartridges and caps are still in the containers? The belts are still attached? Little items like a nipple pick is still there? What's the old saying "If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't." Other than the name on the strap, there's no provenance offered for this remarkable collection. (Not surprising, really. I have 3 just like it in my garage.)

[Army30th]

Well, my mind is clear. I felt they were repops, although I had no intentions of buying them. I know what 150 year old leather looks like, and this isn't it.

[DamYankee25]

Isn't there a way to notify the administrators about suspected fraud? Not everybody is lucky enough to have experts in 1860s militaria at their electronic fingertips.
Those sets are absolutely reproduction. Matters of construction are the final nail in the coffin. Even if I were a collector who knew little about Civil War equipment, I would be very suspicious of how complete the sets are. It's been 150 years, and cartridges and caps are still in the containers? The belts are still attached? Little items like a nipple pick is still there? What's the old saying "If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't." Other than the name on the strap, there's no provenance offered for this remarkable collection. (Not surprising, really. I have 3 just like it in my garage.)

Yes and it's done. Strictly for the powder and percussion caps.

[jeteeple2]

I had also reported these items to ebay for the powder. I also mentioned that the cap puch and belt appeared to be repros being sold as originals. I couldnt say that for the cartridge box since the seller didnt explicitly say that it was an original. I sent a message to the seller as well.

[tenfed1861]

They are real.About as real as the Parthanon in Nashville.Report that to ebay as fraud.

[PetePaolillo]

This gear was owned by a reenactor who just recently passed away in May of 2010. Just thought you should know.

Harry Howe was with the 119th NY http://www.119nysv.org/

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...y-B.-Howe-dies

[Army30th]

I had sent a message to the 119th group to confirm if this was the case. So that now clears it up. All items reproduction, being passed off as originals. Hopefully, Ebay will do the right thing and remove them.