How To Spot A Fake Model
Due to the number of fake Minichamps models being presented for sale on the secondary market I thought it was about time I put together a few tips to help the less informed collector spot these bogus items.
Cegerer's 1:43 Diecast Website has already gone to the trouble of compiling a list of "oddities and fakes" however it is evident from the number of people still buying these items (especially on eBay) that they don't appear to know what to look for !
It goes without saying that you should be 100% happy about who you are dealing with before parting with your hard earned cash - however from first hand experience I know it isn't just eBay where these "shysters" operate. Here are my tips:
Have you seen or heard about the model before ? - if not then treat it with the utmost caution, if necessary you can always contact one of the numerous collector websites for clarification.
If it is a known "rarity" then be especially cautious with the high value items.
Does the model come with a box ? If so is it the correct box ? - You can now buy decals to convert standard West FM McLaren F1 GTR into the "WEST" Promotional model, as the only difference between these two apart from the decals is a piece of green tape over the UPC code it doesn't take long for a skilled model maker to produce one.
With F1 models lift off the perspex lid - Minichamps use a special machine to fold the inserts so if the front and sides stick out at more than a few degrees from vertical then this is a dead giveaway. A true insert should look something like the one in the photograph below.
Does the quality of the cardboard match that of a genuine model ?
Always inspect the model closely for evidence of decals being cut away or decals being added.
Printing on the insert itself - Minichamps tend to use one of two typefaces so again compare this against a genuine model.
This one actually worked for me - put the box to your nose and sniff for evidence of the insert being lacquered to give it that shiny effect - strange I know but this little tip saved me being parted from my hard earned cash !
Always be wary of elaborate stories given by the vendor or "Zero Feedback" ratings on eBay !!
Remember if something sounds too good to be true then it usually is !
