The heart of the intrepid collector skips a beat when a rare tree pops up. Sometimes, less than a blink is all the time there is to consider clicking off a Buy It Now. Occasionally, a tree will be not as described, less than described, or arguably ‘puffed’ to make a quick sale.

In these cases, one may be dealing with either a seller unfamiliar with aluminum trees or worse, a seller who takes to heart the ‘buyer beware’ mantra.

Not As Described

If an informed buyer can explain a discrepancy and provide photos, eBay is on the buyer’s side. Although, the more one knows before clicking that BUY button, the better. In an auction format, there is time to ask for info and it is advantageous to know what questions to ask, which can save time and potentially avoid upheld funds. Additionally, an educated buyer will be prepared to assess what arrives on the doorstep.

Red Flag Descriptors

New in box
Needles need fluffing
No returns

Lack Thereof

No pix of tree assembled
No pix of branches out of sleeves
Blurry pix
No branch count: see the HACKS section for tips!

Questions to ask

Does the branch count match the count of the holes in the pole?
Is there a make/model stamp on the box anywhere?
Are the rod ends straight?
Do any rods appear to be taped?
Are any aluminum windings loose on the rod?
See HACKS for tips!
Are there any bare spots on the rods?

Fakes

This well-crafted, totally fake pink Evergleam sold on eBay for $1,300.00. To me. Bidding was lively, so I was consoled knowing there were 25 other enthusiasts who also wanted to believe this was real. It was a real Evergleam, it just did not start its life PINK. Thankfully, the charges were refunded. The seller did not even bother to send a shipping label to get it back, so rest assured this particular fake is not lurking about the open market. But there are more.

Sprayed or Dipped

Unfortunately, the frenzy for highly sought-after pieces in the collector market is a sure lure for nefarious creepers trying to make a buck. In the current vintage aluminum Christmas tree market, ‘frenzy’ is an understatement. The roof has blown off and there is no end in sight to the current demand.

Silver trees can be sprayed to pass off as a rare color tree, but one must also look out for the more convincing dyed, or dipped method.

On close inspection, sprayed branches will have a pixelated pattern and some minor level of texture. If it smells like paint, it’s paint!

Dipped trees will have small runs or puddles. They may also have a slight pixelated look, which may tend to resemble two tracks going the length of the needles. In both cases, there may also be small areas amongst the needles that were missed by the deceiver, revealing the original silver. Check out the galleries of both sprayed and dipped aluminum branches, and fake pole foils. It is a challenge to photograph the distinguishing aspects of a faked tree, which is why it is relatively easy to pass them off online.

When a rare color tree appears, the assertive and motivated collector often must make a split-second decision. In the chase for rare aluminum trees, he who hesitates is indeed lost.

Please enjoy my Gallery of Rip-Offs that I have purchased over the years!

Have questions or information on fakes?