House Bill:Marking Requirements for Reproduction Civil War Items

[JimKindred]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

If something like this is ever passed the big question then will be what are they going to do about the millions of items that have already been sold? Who is going to be in charge of gathering up all of those unmarked items to protect the unsuspecting?

I guess a button "buy back" program would have to be funded. :confused_

[Ken]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

My frustration in all of this is we seem to live in a society where it is easier to blame the other guy for our problems rather then take a hard look in the mirror and say "You know what, it's my fault I got taken". "I take responsibility for my actions or in this case perhaps inactions". "I'll do a better job educating myself and in the future will only buy from well known, reputable dealers". Instead they go after the manufacturer and say we are going to force you, under the penalty of law, to take responsibility for correcting this problem, even though you didn't create it. In the end you can mark these items until you're blue in the face. The unscrupulous ebay seller will remove the marks, bury it in the dirt for a week, put it in a pretty glass frame and advertise it was worn by Pvt. Slim Pickens of the 1st Utah and some idiot will plunk down their money. It's a stupid law and it solves nothing.:baring_te

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

My frustration in all of this is we seem to live in a society where it is easier to blame the other guy for our problems rather then take a hard look in the mirror and say "You know what, it's my fault I got taken".

Exactly! -Johnny Lloyd

[Cfarrell]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

Can't you just see it now...a team raiding Joe Blow's house cause he illegally reproduces repo civil war goods and distributes them on the AC...I mean "black market."

This is a joke! I mean do I have to stamp every authentic cartridge tube I make...or house wife...or poke sack. Quite a few of us make our own stuff! Are we really going to have to look over our shoulders when we’re are sitting at home making stuff for our pards?

I personally don't believe it will make it very far, but I've been wrong before! The person this will affect the most is our vendors. We all need to remember the many bully buys and other wonderful things our vendors have done for us over the years and be prepared to stick by them if by chance this does come to fruition!

My .02cents...
Regards,

[paulcalloway]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

I applaud your good citizenship. This is a letter we all need to be writing.

[Abrams]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

Ken,
Now, I'm just a poor ignorant Hoosier, but...

I think if you let your elected representatives the "sound bite" that could be used against them if they vote for the bill come next election, you'll get there attention.
Reenactors = Few in number = No Clout
People who hate do-nothing bills that waste money = Many in number = more clout

My two cents.

I added the bold, and this is right on the money. Its not about right, its not about wrong, its about how many votes are affected in this type of legislation.

My frustration in all of this is we seem to live in a society where it is easier to blame the other guy for our problems rather then take a hard look in the mirror and say "You know what, it's my fault I got taken". "I take responsibility for my actions or in this case perhaps inactions". "I'll do a better job educating myself and in the future will only buy from well known, reputable dealers".

Again, right on the money. People want to be protected from their own ignorance. They say ignorance is bliss. I wish it was painful.

My .02

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

Gents-

Here's an idea... how about somehow marking originals as original instead of marking repro items. That way, an appraiser of an original item will attest to its authenticity. The mark would not deface the item, it would be discreet, and be an assurance that the item was appraised by a reputable, legally compliant and registered appraiser as a point-of-reference.

There would have to be a total support structure to put this effort into effect, though. Appraisers of antiques, buyers, and sellers would have to be in-line with the whole effort.

If the legislature is gonna do this stuff, let's protect the integrity of the original items it was designed for.

Thanks- Johnny Lloyd

[Cfarrell]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

In a way many of the authentic vendors already "mark" their items so they are not misrepresented or mistaken as originals later. Duvall marks his products with a "V" for example. Some other vendors put their own little characteristics in their products that are hidden and not as bold as stamping "COPY" on everything.

Regards,

[JimKindred]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

This legislation will only achieve its purpose if every one of the reproductions currently in the hands of the public and the vendors are totally removed from the market. What the legislator that proposes this does not understand is that this is virtually an impossible task and even if attempted would not be accomplished in the life time of those pushing this legislation.

While the intent of the legislation is understandable I am concerned that we will end up with poorly worded legislation that will do nothing to protect the public and only harm honest vendors. Kind of sounds like some of the gun control legislation we see pushed so often, the only ones that will obey the new law will be those that are already honest to start with. Crooks will be crooks no matter what is legislated.

[WoodenNutmeg]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

Some other vendors put their own little characteristics in their products that are hidden and not as bold as stamping "COPY" on everything.

Ha...I just picture someone in their uniform with all their belongings being labeled "COPY" in large white stenciled letters.

[Cfarrell]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

Here are some particulars about the bill:

Sponsor:
Rep. James P. Moran (Virginia 8th District)

Cosponsors:
Rep. John Albney Culberson (Texas 7th District)
Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez (Texas 20th District)
Rep. Ted Poe (Texas 2nd District)

The bill in its entirety can be view here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.4125

A summary of the bill is as follows: (As taken from the site above)

"Amends the Hobby Protection Act to declare as an unlawful, unfair, and deceptive act the manufacture in the United States, or the importation into the United States, for introduction or distribution into commerce of any imitation Civil War item which is not plainly and permanently marked "copy" or "facsimile."

Requires the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules relating to such items that are substantially similar to the rules prescribed by the Commission relating to imitation numismatic items."

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. http://energycommerce.house.gov/

Some particulars about the committee:

Chairman:
John D. Dingell (MI)

Vice Chair:
Diana DeGette (CO)

Ranking Member:
Joe Barton (TX)

A full membership of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce can be found on their website, but here is a listing of the subcommittee members where the bill will begin.

Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection

Chairman:
Bobby L. Rush (IL)

Vice Chair:
Jan Schakowsky (IL)

Ranking Member:
Ed Whitfield (KY)

Other Members:

G. K. Butterfield (NC)
John Barrow (GA)
Baron P. HIll (IN)
Edward J. Markey (MA)
Rick Boucher (VA)
Edolphus Towns (NY)
Diana DeGette (CO)
Charles A. Gonzalez (TX)
Mike Ross (AR)
Darlene Hooley (OR)
Anthony D. Weiner (NY)
Jim Matheson (UT)
Charlie Melancon (LA)
John D. Dingell (MI) (Ex Officio)
Cliff Stearns (FL)
Charles W. "Chip" Pickering (MS)
Vito Fossella (NY)
George Radanovich (CA)
Joseph R. Pitts (PA)
Mary Bono Mack (CA)
Lee Terry (NE)
Sue Wilkins Myrick (NC)
John Sullivan (OK)
Michael C. Burgess (TX)
Joe Barton (TX) (Ex Officio)

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Regards,

[tmattimore]

The bill states that the same rules that apply to fake currency will be applied to reproductions. I.E. indelibly marked as copy in a manner that is clear to the uninformed in a place that is easliy observable. My congresswoman and senators will vote against it but nobody cares about Wyoming until they need our oil, natural gas, coal and snow pack to keep California running.:cry_smileBesides as Jim said what are they going to do with the 6000 pair of shoes and boots I have made in the last 20 years for cusumers who complain when I write their name or size inside with a sharpie.

[JimKindred]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

Due to that bugger Trent Lott resigning I am left without a representative in the House because my representative was appointed to fill Lott's seat. :angry_smi

This in it self will be difficult to comply with "any imitation Civil War item", that means any buckle, brass fitting or any thing else used in the construction of a cartridge box, knapsack or other similar item will have to marked "copy" individually.

You can bet if this legislation is passed it will cripple the Civil War hobby supply business.

Why stop at Civil War? What about Rev War, Mex War, WWI and WWII? Those areas of collecting are full of fakers.

Who proposed this? http://moran.house.gov/

Jim Moran
2239 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4376
Fax: (202) 225-0017

If you are concerned about this give his office a call.

[WoodenNutmeg]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

Why stop at Civil War? What about Rev War, Mex War, WWI and WWII? Those areas of collecting are full of fakers.

This is more than true.

[JimKindred]

Re: Hobby Protection Act

You know if you think about it this legislation could also make criminals of any one selling used items such as we have here on the AC. It does not separate dealer from casual seller.