BEWARE THE REPAIR!!!

It is a sad fact that fake relics are not the only relics that end up ruining a collector's day.  A repaired relic can be just as much of a downer, and just as expensive, especially when the seller does not mention the repair to you.  And this happens more than most dealers care to admit.  Muskets with replacement parts, or parts cannibalized from several guns, buttons glued together, belts glued down with nice buckles attached, swords and knives with replaced grips...the list goes on and on.  All of these fall into the category of repaired (or altered) relics. 

Here is a carefully re-aged Louisiana button back.  In this light, it is hard to see clearly and overall it looks okay.

Here she goes in a sharp light.  WoW!!  Look at that glue!  And the backmark is not even correct for this button!  Someone made a hybrid button out of a Louisiana face and a different backmark.  NICE!!  Imagine dropping $400 on that!!

Here is the face.  Not bad!  A pretty face...but with that repair...not worth much.  Someone got screwed. 

You have to be on your toes at all times, at shows and on ebay and wherever relics are sold.  Some alterations and repairs go unnoticed by the sellers.  Some are sold with the seller fully aware of what he is selling.  So you have to remain ever vigilant, invest in a good loop (magnifying glass), and trust no one but your mother.