Antique scam - various dealers - 1st Dibs and so on

[Gspragge]

It comes as no surprize that old surplussed ex Leather
Navel charge carriers are being passed off as "Fire Buckets"
These carriers with the tops lost and a decorative decal , usually
the Royal Arms of one sort or another have been flogged for ever
by antique dealers. The wide ones will make a decent cane stand etc,
but I've found many being passed off as antique fire buckets at
atrocious prices. I spotted three such rip offs on the 1st Dib's site.
This site is renown for everything being priced 10 times it's value,
makes you feel really good when you buy the same thing for $50 and
see it there for $2000+ , it happens all the time.
I have one example here, and a real fire bucket for comparison.
I complained to 1st.Dib's and some have changed their listings,
but these are everywhere. Don't hold back if you see some add for
these, challenge the greedy buggers and tell them what they have.
If I bought one of these as a customer I would call it fraud when I
found out I had a near worthless incomplete rubbish item.

I have no idea if my real fire bucket is Irish , British or American, Irish is I think the most valuable.

[BMG50]

To be honest i don't fall for sky high prices not even if i am desperate for the item. The fun of collecting is waiting for a bargain to turn up, which eventually does. I have seen things go for stupid money only to find that someone turns up at a show with the item in bulk for a fraction of the price, as the market is now flooded. I wonder how many people have been caught out like that.By the way, nice bucket.

[Gspragge]

The militaria collector won't be caught, but the unsuspecting unknowing
ordinary innocent person who is decorating will be. They have no idea and trust
these/or other sellers to their cost all too often at any venue and in many kinds of item, I see it all the time.