I think you have a point Noel. This version would be very easy to copy. So with this sort of thing I reckon it's a bit of a gamble. My advice, build up a relationship with a trader, there are several in the Ukraine and the Russian Federation who are very good. Don't buy over hyped " Very Rare" examples, mind you on that score the sellers use that phrase for everything. And don't buy something at a hugely inflated 'Buy it now' price. For example, I bought this one from Alex who described it as " An unusual version" and priced it about $10 above the norm......but that was about six years ago.
It is so easy to "Fake" these things. But considering the relatively low cost of even the rarest Kiev there isn't a lot in it for the would be crook. The smallest things can help avoid the 'wrong uns'. For instance The No Name' My advice would be after checking the serial number.......easy to fake, look at the case. Removing the inscribed Kiev logo and replacing it with a perfect piece of 'Plain' leather, completing the lining and the stitching is the difficult bit.
Although I do remember once bidding on a "Volga" Kiev . The seller claimed that it had been authenticated by ***** ****** a well know expert on all things Zeiss/Kiev. However the 'expert' sent me a private to tell me that he had indeed examined the camera, and had authenticated it as.......a fake. In fact I got my son who doesn't normally use online auctions to overbid me to negate my offer. He got the same message from the friendly expert. Don't know what happened next but the item was withdrawn.
Brian.
