I have no problem with the above description of 'Forced Matches' as long as the match does not constitute an alteration. If an original and correct magazine bottom is put on an original and correct spine, then OK. If an original and correct side plate with the correct two digit number is put on a luger, then that is OK too.
But if someone physically alters a piece than that is NOT OK. Say someone shaves the bottom of a magazine and reapplies a new number in order to have a matching magazine. But the forum can not regulate that. The buyer is the one who must reject that part. That is why there must be an inspection period given by the seller. But the forum can't force that either.
What the forum can reject are things, like dies, that would allow the opportunity to alter parts. For instance, there is currently a die out there to put a proofmark on an artillery stock. This gives the false impression that the stock is an expesive original. The recent discussion of fake navy rear toggles exposed a market on this forum. Advertising the sale of these toggles should not be allowed unless the seller clearly marks that part as a repro so that it can easily be distinguished from an original. We should chastise anyone who will put any date desired on a repro hoster in order to misrepresent that holster.
The NAPCA often exposes these 'cottage industries' and we should feel free to do it too. We should reject ads for these 'cottage industries' whether the ads are from the companies or from individuals.
Big Norm
|