How to tell the difference in box labels - phony vs. original

[toroflow1]

The box thread on the "other forum" got me to thinking on how to visually tell when you encounter a phony box label. I got these two pictures off of Gunbroker (and have nothing to do with either), one shows an original label (top picture), and one shows the reproduction (i.e. phony) box labels (bottom picture). As you can see, the original box label has a dashed line just above where is says "front sight" and "wo". The repro labels have a solid line in that position. As was said in the other thread, those who try to pass off a box as original with one of these repro labels, is not being "above board". Buyer beware.

 

[VM]

It doesn't matter what you collect..................coins, toys, antiques, tools, guns, whatever. There will always be someone that makes a phoney "copy" or reproduction of original to deceive a potential buyer.
**** Money is root of all evil****
If there is money to be made, somebody will go out of their way to be deceptive to a unknowledgeable buyer.
"Buyer Beware" is important..............do your research and pay attention - it's not that hard.

I use Fake labels myself...............if you see one like this, it's not from the Factory

 

[GF]

I think I know the thread your talking about! I wonder if the subject will get slammed by the "I buy my guns to shoot and use the boxes to hold wood-screws" crowd?
Anyway, another thing that's a tip-off that a label is fake is if it's not upside down on the top lid. Boxes must have been labeled lid down at the factory. Most fakers put them on right side up.

GF

 

[bgrafsr]

I think I know the thread your talking about! I wonder if the subject will get slammed by the "I buy my guns to shoot and use the boxes to hold wood-screws" crowd?
Anyway, another thing that's a tip-off that a label is fake is if it's not upside down on the top lid. Boxes must have been labeled lid down at the factory. Most fakers put them on right side up.

GF

Interesting to know. It's amazing what one can learn on this site.

 

[jcelect]

Logic for upsidedownlabels!

Place your gun in the box and place the box on a shelf with the lid facing up at about head high! Now reach up and grab the box, pull it from the shelf, and say "ouch, G*^ D^** It" as your gun bounces off your bare toes to the floor and you still have the lid in your hand! Now place same on the shelf with the lid down, so the label can be read, and retrive it from the shelf! NO BRUISED TOES or ego!
jcelect SWCA#723

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The box thread on the "other forum" got me to thinking on how to visually tell when you encounter a phony box label. I got these two pictures off of Gunbroker (and have nothing to do with either), one shows an original label (top picture), and one shows the reproduction (i.e. phony) box labels (bottom picture). As you can see, the original box label has a dashed line just above where is says "front sight" and "wo". The repro labels have a solid line in that position. As was said in the other thread, those who try to pass off a box as original with one of these repro labels, is not being "above board". Buyer beware.

Thanks for pointing that out-I'll fix it on the next run

 

[Armyphotog]

I've used fake S&W labels on my boxes, but have typed all of the specs on with an old 1930's typewriter. Looks real cool, but anyone who knows S&W also knows their specs are ink longhand, so I'm not trying to fool anyone.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Money

The correct quote is "The love of money is the root of all evil." That distinction makes all the difference for me. Flapjack.

 

[Shooting Padre]

Place your gun in the box and place the box on a shelf with the lid facing up at about head high! Now reach up and grab the box, pull it from the shelf, and say "ouch, G*^ D^** It" as your gun bounces off your bare toes to the floor and you still have the lid in your hand! Now place same on the shelf with the lid down, so the label can be read, and retrive it from the shelf! NO BRUISED TOES or ego!
jcelect SWCA#723

I wondered why the labels were upside down, and never gave this answer a thought. It makes so much sense. Thanks for the info. I really do enjoy what I read and learn here. Great bunch of folks.

 

[JP@AK]

I wondered why the labels were upside down, and never gave this answer a thought.

For all its unassailable logic, I don't think this is the real explanation. jcelect was having some fun.
What was told to me years ago was that the "upside down" labeling practice was intended to assist the retailer. Guns were displayed in the box in display cabinets (I remember this practice from my childhood/teen years in the late '50s and early '60s). So, with the gun in the open box and the lid on the bottom of the box upside down, the customer could see the gun and read the label.
If this is not the true story, someone with superior knowledge will no doubt correct me. But I believed it when I first heard it 20 or 30 years ago and have no reason to doubt it now. For one thing, it checks with my early, drool on the glass cabinet, experiences.
Jack

 

[gr8smiles]

For one thing, it checks with my early, drool on the glass cabinet, experiences.
Jack

At least I am not the only one reliving my childhood with all these guns...

 

[chief38]

Just so you are aware.............. some of the fake labels have the broken dashed line just like the originals, making it even more difficult to tell the difference. The best way to tell is if it looks too good, it probably is not real. I have never seen real Factory labels for resale.

chief38