FAKE! Commonly encountered fake markings on British webbing...

[karkee]

I agree that British webbing isn't as sought after on this side of the Atlantic.

I see many bad fakes, but it's just the amount of fake markings that surprises me!

[karkee]

Here's another faked up belt. It is stamped "M.E.C. 1943", which should raise suspicions as Mills Equipment Company never omitted the 'o'. The construction of the belt is also suspect as it has domed rivets and gated back buckles, which makes postwar Italian manufacture likely.

[karkee]

Here's another fake stamp on a postwar Greek or Italian ammunition pouch that is currently on eBay. It appears that the fakers are improving their technique. Perhaps it is time this thread was deleted...

[reneblacky]

They are getting tricky now days, very educational thread!

[karkee]

Here's a SMLE breech cover that sold on that auction site for 45 GBP. I suspect the markings are fake and that the snaps are marked "UNITED CARR - CANADA" (given that WWII Canadian-made covers are plentiful. You be the judge...

[karkee]

Here's a postwar wirecutter carrier with the original maker's mark, date and CN number blacked out along with a faked up "MECo 1942" stamp! British-made carriers utilzed spigot fasteners with a 'pebble grain' snap during the war. Smooth snaps with a Carr style fastener appeared in the postwar years...

[karkee]

Here's another faked up date on an entrenching tool carrier that is currently part of a set on that auction site. Seriously, you can see the original 1962 date under the blacked out portion...would anybody be fooled by the 1940 date??

[ILH]

Thanks again for this thread. I worry for those that don't know what they are looking at, but i'm also reassured by the lack of effort applied by the fakers.

[ILH]

And here is one on a Bergen in this forum:

P42 British Army 'Bergen' rucksack 1943.

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Great thread Karkee, very insightful. Leon.