Just out of curiosity, how would one know if it was a copy? What sorts of tell-tale signs would you be looking for?

Here's an update, for those that are interested.

I've put together some information, with the help of the seller and some of our fellow collectors that have verified originals (thanks!):

1. The dimensions for the item listed appear to be larger than the original, especially in height.  This is likely due to the module not being offset-trimmed like TSR originals often were.

2. The item is quite a bit heavier than the original.  This implies that paper/stock is potentially heavier, along with the difference in size.

3. The shrink wrap is tight, which has caused compression on the corners and it is not vented.  The original SW has vent holes and isn't tight on any known copies.

Caveats:
The measurements weren't taken with the same equipment and probably aren't that precise.
There could have been some variability in the originals, too, as these weren't produced in large volume.
The items weren't compared side-by-side, which would be the ideal scenario.
No detailed inspection/comparison of the printing methods used has been done.  This is the most important method of verification, but it's rather difficult to do without hi-resolution images or looking at the actual item.  Reproductions leave tell-tale artifacts that can often be easily discerned.

The ultimate validation would be inspecting, possibly comparing, the printing process of the item to known originals, but that will likely remain elusive without better pics, or someone that is knowledgeable examining it directly.

These observations aren't definitive, but they do appear to lean towards this not being an original.  You can all draw your own conclusions from the information presented.

dbartman wrote in Interesting Items Currently on eBay:Here's an update ....

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Thanks man. This is really helpful. This is why we have the Acaeum :)

dbartman,

That's a fantastic list of printing data.  Thanks for posting it.  It deserves to be "pinned" somewhere for easy access.

Given that list, if ever examining an item in hand I would go straight to a 50x illuminated magnifier.  Even a cheap one should be able to clearly reveal such factors as character edging and ink absorption into the paper.

SMC

How much difference is there in the height dimension?

stratochamp wrote in Interesting Items Currently on eBay:He's not listing the specifics so that future scammers can't profit from this.

      ^^^

It appears the feedback from the seller is 100% from buying products - I don't believe they have a sales history.

It is also worth noting this was listed the very next day after someone felt like paying $650 for a known "fake" ST1. Moreover, if it hasn't already been noted, the titles between the products are similar. Side by side:

"Up the Garden Path ST1 Module Book - Dungeons & Dragons D&D - Modern Reprint"

"The Jade Hare TSR Module Book - Dungeons & Dragons D&D - Modern Reprint"

Identical notation, different sellers. Not that it matters but, for those interested in seller locations, Hereford appears to be a farming town and somewhat of a retirement area. Stockton-on-Tees is on the other side of the country.

Sea-to-sky-games wrote in Interesting Items Currently on eBay:It is also worth noting this was listed the very next day after someone felt like paying $650 for a known "fake" ST1. Moreover, if it hasn't already been noted, the titles between the products are similar. Side by side:

"Up the Garden Path ST1 Module Book - Dungeons & Dragons D&D - Modern Reprint"

"The Jade Hare TSR Module Book - Dungeons & Dragons D&D - Modern Reprint"

Identical notation, different sellers. Not that it matters but, for those interested in seller locations, Hereford appears to be a farming town and somewhat of a retirement area. Stockton-on-Tees is on the other side of the country.

That is an uncanny duplication of the title. Good observation. It almost causes one to wonder whether the seller is one person or multiple people using multiple accounts. It's possible that the seller saw the ST1 listing and simply duplicated the format, but that seems unlikely.

The seller has been very cooperative with requests, but they haven't removed the listing or attempted to authenticate it, which was an option when presented with the facts and the legality of selling a counterfeit product. It certainly would translate into a significant increase in value, of which they have also been made aware of, which leads one to believe that they know it's not authentic. Otherwise, why not spend a little more effort to validate it?

If anyone here ends up purchasing this, please update us on your findings.