Assistance with Id'ing Fake Photographs

**Bill T** · 11-20-2012, 02:24 AM

Wanted to share a very good presentation and study by Paul Messier. I highly reccomend checking this out if you want to learn about photo paper and the techniques used in different time periods. Its called " A Methodology for Dating Photographs, relative to the 1950's", but he talks alot about wartime photo paper as well. You can tell his experience mostly lies in the 1950's paper and up, but it is still very informative and for the most part accurate IMO.

ITS ONLY 32 Pages w/ pictures and diagrams! Easy to flip through.

Here is the FREE presentation book in PDF form: http://www.paulmessier.com/pm/pdf/papers/aipad4w3.pdf

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 11-20-2012 02:24 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**don_kihotis7** · 11-20-2012, 09:44 AM

Guys is this the arrow you are referring to?

**Paul D** · 11-20-2012, 06:36 PM

Yes thats it Chris.

**don_kihotis7** · 11-20-2012, 08:47 PM

by Paul E

Yes thats it Chris.

Thanks mate

**Evgeni M** · 01-07-2013, 07:48 PM

What I have noticed recently is use of this type of pattern (type 2 without and arrow) on all types of pictures, not only portraits. Usually the paper is very whitish and you can almost smell that it was printed yesterday. Rule of thumb that I am using now is any "nice" photo with these lines in the back and no singes of wear is not worth it.

by Bill T

Okay, here is a comparison of another type of "lined paper" I have studied.

These are my personal opinions.....

The one on the left is Period. (UV Neg) (same as above)
The one on the right is Post-War. Note the arrow next to the dotted line. (UV pos..only in middle when peeled back) (Not fake, just printed at a later date)

I would be interested to hear anyone elses opinions on this, or if they have seen this before. I never stop learning in this hobby, its ridiculous!!

**Evgeni M** · 01-07-2013, 07:59 PM

A few examples of war time canteen photos:

**Bill T** · 01-09-2013, 07:40 PM

by Evgeni M

What I have noticed recently is use of this type of pattern (type 2 without and arrow) on all types of pictures, not only portraits. Usually the paper is very whitish and you can almost smell that it was printed yesterday. Rule of thumb that I am using now is any "nice" photo with these lines in the back and no singes of wear is not worth it.

Ive been seeing these on Ebay alot lately Evgeni....as well as the completely blank reversed portraits. Not all are bad of course and I wouldnt rule out pics that are in good shape per say, but like you said....some seem/smell as if they were printed yesterday. I have some more suspicious photos on file that I will be sharing soon too and would love to hear some feedback

P.S.- Ive never seen the original packaging those PK photos come in. Thanks for showing

**Evgeni M** · 01-12-2013, 07:06 PM

Would be great to have your opinion on this one guys. Please mind the edges of the photo, the paper looks also very fresh (third picture has the best resolution).

Your input will be highly appreciated as this is great picture IMO

Thanks.

Cheers,

Evgeni

**Bill T** · 01-14-2013, 07:10 PM

IMO this one Looks okay Evgeni. And yes it is, a very nice image of a Russian BA-3? now in German hands!

**Lancere** · 01-15-2013, 02:46 PM

Guys This Sterbild (Death Notice ) is currently on German Ebay . I have Emailed my friend Charles Trang and we both agree this looks fake . Something stands out that does not Gel ,see if any of you guys can pick it ???
I will answer in three days I will give my conclusion .....BUT LETS HEAR OPINIONS ON WHY SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SMELLS FISHY ........