Replica Boxes

Sir

If anyone thinks Jenks is going over the top with his ‘fake/replica’ comments and Serendipity Championship, a look at the diecast model collecting scene reveals to what extent this sort of madness is being taken.

Because the ‘serious’ model collector will pay far more for a mint condition Dinky or Corgi model in its original box, there are now people making replica cardboard boxes, complete with ageing effects and rusty staples, and passing them off as originals.

One reputable model dealer writing in a recent issue of a collector’s monthly is threatening legal action against the perpetrators of counterfeit cardboard boxes. I wonder how long it will be before there is an auction for genuine boxes — there will be no need to collect the actual models as you can’t see them inside the box anyway!

Paul Finn,

Ascot, Berks.