Some time ago, I was given the above mentioned book (Captain
Albert Ball VC by R.H. Kiernan 1st Edition printed 1933) along with the book came a valve from a Roland, reportedly shot down by Ball (kill 6 2 Jul 1916 1730 11 Nieuport (A134) Roland C.II (DES) Mercatel-Arras Road ). there is some, but very light documentation regarding this saying it was recovered in April 1917, and the value does have the details engraved/stamped on the top. I know it's common for foot sloggers to claim war trophies and I can understand how that alone would have come to be, but the fact the book seems to bear a stronger covenant to the valve sets alarm bells ring.
Has anyone come across the faking of such items to make them more desirable, ie the book is rare anyway, and on this very site, a links lead to the sale of one for $170 dollars, but along with the valve I'm sure a collector would pay far more. please understand I'm not interested in the money value, just trying to alay my fears to it being faked.
Basically I have my doubts not that it took months to recover the valve, nor that I have yet to confirm it came from a Roland CII what worries me is that the Valve seems to fit the book, and how did a rare book and a actual piece of wreckage get put together, Other than by a collector, or a faker for profit.
Any one come across or seen reports of faking these sort of items for profit, some one has gone to a lot of trouble to stamp the valve with the details, have they just done this purely for gain.
thanks in advance for your input, your views and comment would be welcomed.
regards
dave1961