As more and more reproductions are produced, the question of how to tell an original from a repro is often overlooked.

Of course, the quickest way to prove something is original is to put it under a black light.  Older cotton threads won’t glow, while newer cotton threads will. We all talk about black lighting objects, but the truth is that most people can’t tell the difference between a “glow” and a “no glow”.  The problem is two-fold – first, you need to compare an original to a reproduction.  Shine a backlight directly on a white color, regardless of age, and you’ll see some reflection of color, compared to darker fabric, just because light colors tend to reflect light, while dark colors absorb light.   The only true way to be sure that you’re seeing the “right” glow, is to work with a known new item and compare a like old item.

Beyond blacklighting, there are several things that you can use to determine an original WWII item.  First, is a label or spec tags.  The US Army conveniently dated everything.  Modern things use date codes instead of plain old M44, 1944 type markings.  But, some repros use spec tags as well.  Here the key is to look at the maker.  Did Abercrombie make WWII jackets? (surprisingly, yes!)  How about Aviarex? (not a chance).  A quick trip to google can save you a good chunk of money, just by checking the history of the company and it’s current products.  A name like Mil-tec may sound perfectly legit, but if you go to their website, you’ll see that they sell reproductions.

Second, learn the characteristics of the items that you are buying.  An A-2 jacket never has hand warmer pockets, nor does a B-3.  An ike jacket without cuffs is post-war / korean.  Talon and Conmar zippers were used during the war.  Find a YKK zipper and you’ve got a fake.   When it comes to pins and sweetheart jewelry, looks for vintage type pin closures.  Earrings are almost always screwback.  Pins are more likely to have a simple hoop than a catch that you’ve got to flip with your nail.  And, anything that looks hand made probably is.