darkSpyro

One of the reasons why I haven't chased variants was the difficulty of obtaining authenticity. Now, all of these characters are 100% 3rd party obtained (eBay).

Is it possible for someone to take a regular character out of package, paint it and return it to the package and make it look undetectable?

What are some best practices here in determining authenticity?

I would say put it on the portal and it should say special, or are you looking for a physical check?

Quote: ShaneK

I would say put it on the portal and it should say special, or are you looking for a physical check?

They don't say that unfortunately. None of the SSA chase variants do.
I'm not entirely sure how to check them though.

Theres a thread in this section to verify chase variants. Last thing you check is the model/product number at the bottom of the base. They are different than regular figures. From what I remember the serial starts with certain letter to prove the authenticity of the chase variant.

Quote: GhostRoaster

One of the reasons why I haven't chased variants was the difficulty of obtaining authenticity. Now, all of these characters are 100% 3rd party obtained (eBay).

Is it possible for someone to take a regular character out of package, paint it and return it to the package and make it look undetectable?

What are some best practices here in determining authenticity?

Is it possible? Yes, but not easily achieved. If you're thinking of buying on eBay, a seller's feedback is a good indication. Any serious eBayer would not risk their hard built reputation on a fake. If a lack of feedback exists, then you definitely should proceed cautiously. If it's a SSA chase figure, ask the seller about the factory stamp located on the back of the packaging or bottom of the base. It should be a one letter designation followed by a 4 digit number (sometimes followed by another letter). For example, W0123. All chase figures have the Level 5, 2100 gold coin perk pre-loaded, except the Silver chases. Also ask the seller if they could put it on the portal and provide proof that the perk is still loaded. A sellers history and feedback should typically alleviate alot of your concerns. Let me know if you need any other info...

How can you tell if a loose figure is authentic?

The serial number on the bottom of the figure. It is stamped into the box and also on the bottom of the figure.

The SS on the left is a normal factory released SS with a factory stamp of W2117. This indicates the factory and when it was produced. The last digit number may increase as more are produced, but it will be similar to this nomenclature.

The clear SS in the middle is a prototype and hence doesn't have a factory stamp because it wasn't put out for production.

The Flocked SS on the right has it's own unique factory stamp of W0123.

If you are trying to validate authenticity, simply post this number on the forum for the figure you are trying to authenticate and myself or others could double check what we have in comparison.

Hope this helps...

That's good, thanks. Looking to see how I can verify it BEFORE I get it on hand. I'll ask for the info and post it here.

At this point my concern is SPECIFIC to Gold and Silver SSA variants as they can be easily painted. The ones I want is still in the case but wouldn't put it past someone to dress that up.

It can be done. However, it is not very easily done. The Serial number should tell you all.

What are the gold/silver variants going for these days? I don't see many offered.

I think on evilbay they are about 2-3 hundy. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html...anders&_sacat=0

[urlhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/skylanders-chop-chop-gold-/181087882941?pt=UK_VideoGames_Merchandise_RL&hash=item2a29adcebd[/url]
This is probaly fake, right?

Quote: pokemonblack100

[urlhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/skylanders-chop-chop-gold-/181087882941?pt=UK_VideoGames_Merchandise_RL&hash=item2a29adcebd[/url]
This is probaly fake, right?

/www.ebay.com/itm/skylanders-c...=item2a29adcebd

Fixed...

It is hard for me to tell. I say it looks a little more bronze than one in a box. However, it could be the lighting. Although it does look to be painted well.

The SKU #'s are for the gold drill sergeant: 47875 84288, gold chop chop: 030917 103759, gold flameslinger: 47875 84280.

Does this tell u guys anything? I'm betting there's absolutely no difference between regular and variants.

Quote: GhostRoaster

Now, all of these characters are 100% 3rd party obtained (eBay).

Uh, i found my gold flameslinger at a gamestop and i am sure some other members here have found their variants in stores. When i worked at TRU i sold a rock whirlwind. These things are not 100% ebay.

Is there anyway someone can post unique factory stamps for each chase variant? That would be a very handy reference for people to make sure they were buying a real figure and not just a painted one.

Quote: Monsinour

Quote: GhostRoaster

Now, all of these characters are 100% 3rd party obtained (eBay).

Uh, i found my gold flameslinger at a gamestop and i am sure some other members here have found their variants in stores. When i worked at TRU i sold a rock whirlwind. These things are not 100% ebay.

Previously you could get them at stores. Now, specifically the gold ones are not to be had in stores and are now pretty much from Ebay. That was the point he was trying to make.

Still waiting for SSA chase expert to confirm I have the real deal or not. I have to use eBay sight unseen and would prefer not to be scammed.

Thanks!!! This thread would be a valuable reference!!

Quote: GhostRoaster

The SKU #'s are for the gold drill sergeant: 47875 84288, gold chop chop: 030917 103759, gold flameslinger: 47875 84280.

Does this tell u guys anything? I'm betting there's absolutely no difference between regular and variants.

Yes, those UPC's are basically what I have. My Gold Chop Chop is one digit off: 47875 84278. Keep in mind, the UPC code IS the same for a normal figure as well as the variant. Unfortunately, with the gold variants in particular, the factory stamp can also be the same as the regular factory release as well. I would still use the factory stamp over the UPC code if possible.

Is the factory stamp also anywhere on the on the box?

Quote: pokemonblack100

Is the factory stamp also anywhere on the on the box?

Yes. On the back of the packaging, usually the lower part of the packaging...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/skylan...=item2a29adcebd

I'd have to call phony on this one.

Quote: Matteomax

http://www.ebay.com/itm/skylan...=item2a29adcebd

I'd have to call phony on this one.

Yeah, I would agree. The coloration looks wrong.

It's fake. You can see the black stone of the elemental base. Tell the seller.

Quote: DluA

Quote: pokemonblack100

Is the factory stamp also anywhere on the on the box?

Yes. On the back of the packaging, usually the lower part of the packaging...

I thought that's what I gave you. Is the number you need the same location as the one I gave you above? What does it start with?

Quote: Matteomax

http://www.ebay.com/itm/skylan...=item2a29adcebd

I'd have to call phony on this one.

I'd assume anything not in the box is "fake" and assume it's a custom painted by 3rd party.

Quote: GhostRoaster

Quote: DluA

Quote: pokemonblack100

Is the factory stamp also anywhere on the on the box?

Yes. On the back of the packaging, usually the lower part of the packaging...

I thought that's what I gave you. Is the number you need the same location as the one I gave you above? What does it start with?

No, you gave me the UPC code (located on the bottom of each packaging), not SKU. As I said above, you should go by the Factory Stamp #, should be something like W0123. This factory stamp is located both on the lower back side of the packaging or on the bottom of the green base of the figure. Please see the photo below for reference (again).

http://i1271.photobucket.com/a...3/DSC002701.jpg

Quote: DluA

Quote: GhostRoaster

Quote: DluA

Yes. On the back of the packaging, usually the lower part of the packaging...

I thought that's what I gave you. Is the number you need the same location as the one I gave you above? What does it start with?

No, you gave me the UPC code (located on the bottom of each packaging), not SKU. As I said above, you should go by the Factory Stamp #, should be something like W0123. This factory stamp is located both on the lower back side of the packaging or on the bottom of the green base of the figure. Please see the photo below for reference (again).

http://i1271.photobucket.com/a...3/DSC002701.jpg

You just HAD to show off that awesome clear stumpy.

Why yes, I guess I did...

Quote: DluA

No, you gave me the UPC code (located on the bottom of each packaging), not SKU. As I said above, you should go by the Factory Stamp #, should be something like W0123. This factory stamp is located both on the lower back side of the packaging or on the bottom of the green base of the figure. Please see the photo below for reference (again).

http://i1271.photobucket.com/a...3/DSC002701.jpg

OK, so have we confirmed that these variants was manufactured at one or two specific factories?

So, if my factory stamps match yours in the pic I'm good?

Quote: Matteomax

It's fake. You can see the black stone of the elemental base. Tell the seller.

You can also see the gold paint blead over on to the green base (especially Pic 2)