Unfortunately, there isn't an "easy" wasy to distinquish a bogus loading tool from an original, assuming that the fake is done well. A person must become familiar with manner in which the tools were constructed and the appearance of the finish, if a finish were applied. If the tool was isssued in the white, then the patina one would expect to find on a vintage piece of metal of this type. Actually, loading tools are usually fairly well perserved. Perhaps, because they are so plentiful, the ones in poor condition were simply discarded. I have an Imperial with an Erfurt acceptance stamp that was reissued 3 times and is in very nice condition.
This, of course, means looking at a lot of tools. I have a drawer full along with, perhaps, a dozen or so, quality fakes. The latter make excellent reference. If you have a copy of Bender's Luger Holsters and Accesories of the 20th Century, you will find, therein, the measurements for an original loading tool along with some photos of some bogus tools that are made from heavier stock.
Stamps: Again, one should be familiar with the types of stamps used during the particuliar period from which the tool supposedly originated.
Problem with going by acceptance stamps is that, as has been pointed out, they are easy to come by and it doesn't take much skill to whack on a stamp. Keep in mind that there are a whole lot of genuine blank tools floating around. Unmarked tools, in the not to distant past, sold for for about $10, sometimes less. What with an E/135 going for $100 +, the incentive is obvious. There is a story, might be Urban Legend, that several years ago, crates of unmarked, unissued tools were imported in from one of the combloc countries along with jigs and stamps. Course, if no one can tell that something is a fake, I reckon it isn't. And, in this case, assuming the story is true, one could argue that they are original tools that had the acceptance stamp belatedly (not certain this is a word) applied. One story that I do know is true; seveal years ago, one of the well known boosters had a sale list of loading tools. There were over 20 different acceptance stamps abvailable. If I remember correctly, a person could buy one that was supposedly issued for use with the 45 cal Test Luger.
Point here is; just because it is a loading tool doesn't mean that you should not be knowledgeable on the subject . Get some HANDS ON experience and don't pay big money if you don't know from whence you come, or are going, for that matter.
Sorry, but nobody said that it was going to be easy.
Good Hunting.
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