Hello. I have both answers and questions, and I will post them in that order.
Regarding the black paint on the baseplate:
1. Magnification shows that the paint wear on the raised lettering is from wear, not thin paint, which is further supported by wear to other areas of the black baseplate, including both of the rounded flanges that hold the front axle (a typical place of wear on baseplates), and other areas of the base besides the letters.
2. Quality forgeries are not done by novices. The correct consistency and gloss of black baseplate paint is likely an area where forgers begin their practice because black baseplates (especially gloss) are easy to conceal. If a forger attempts to circulate a highly-desired and highly-valued model such as a tan pre-production version of the ‘Magirus-Deutz Crane,’ that person needs to pay painstaking attention to the details of the dishonest work. If the work of an experienced forger is exposed, it is probably reasonable to assume that his error would not be in miscalculating the consistency of gloss black baseplate paint.
3. I do not think that the wear to the letters on the black baseplate is inconsistent with the imperfections on the rest of this model. I think that the (perhaps reasonable) impression is made because the missing paint on “CRANE TRUCK MAGIRUS-DEUTZ” stands out considerably next to the perfect paint of “MADE IN ENGLAND BY LESNEY.” The lack of wear of the latter is not notable because the words are recessed so far into the casting.
Regarding the broad tow hook:
1. A comment is posted that says,
“On over 19 other tan versions recorded the hook is the thin type, identified easily because of the gap between the ropes.” Where can a collector access this ‘record’ of 19 other versions of the tan M-D crane? If it is posted, please direct me (or us) to it. On page 3, a member writes,
“Reading the discussion concerning details, i'm waiting for pictures off other collectors who has such a model to compare.”
This is a good point. If there is a centralized documented archive of the known tan cranes, wouldn't this bear more weight than a flurry of opinions? If such an archive exists, please present it or direct us to it so we can do our own evaluations and reduce the bickering. I am not disputing that the original tan pre-production models of the No. 30 ‘Magirus-Deutz Crane’ had the ‘thin type’ hook, I just want to see photos, or know that the source of that information is more than a few here on this forum (no disrespect intended).
2. If this tow hook is inconsistent with those of the genuine pre-production models, then this model would have needed to have been disassembled---either 1) at the rivet that attaches the hook to the jib, or 2) at the rivet that connects the jib to the body.
The tow hook rivet is fine for two reasons: 1. this rivet shows no indication of tampering, and 2. if it is true that the tan crane was made with only ‘thin’ hooks, why would someone bother to disassemble it?
The rivet that connects the orange jib to the body is fine because of the lack of disturbance to the head of the front rivet, and to the paint of the front rivet. And until I see enough tan cranes to show otherwise, I can make an equally compelling contention (which I do not) that the 1st tan crane shown on page 2 is questionable because:
a. the head of the front tan rivet appears thin, which is a hallmark of disassemblers,
b. the high amount of ‘disturbance’ to the front (tan) rivet, which appears ‘splintered’ could have taken place during reassembly,
c. there are speckles of orange paint visible behind the rear axle, and in the shaded area below the top, rear wheel, which is concerning to me.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the process for authenticating a 'rare', 'uncommon' or high-value Matchbox model?
2. What source(s) does the VBD accept and recommend for authenticating Matchbox models?
3. What basis or source is being used when offering details for the tan Magirus-Deutz crane? I am not suggesting that it is not being used, I just want to know what it is.
Evaluating the authenticity of high-value models (including mine) is a good practice that needs to continue. When evaluating the authenticity of my cars, do so knowing that although I have only been part of the VBD forum for 3 years, I have been buying, selling and trading Matchbox cars for 40 years---because I love Matchbox.
If my integrity needs to be questioned, please do so by private message.
Respectfully,
Jason
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