I want to re-open this topic as, despite the warnings, I have just fallen for this clever scammer from India. (He goes under the company name of secondskinstudio and his name is Seema Ratti). I had read about Gordo's experiences (in January) wrt the Buchanan's Black & White but didn't remember Ross's mention of the Brooke Bond sign. Then, the other day I spotted an ebay.com ad for a Brooke Bond Teas 'small spoonful' enamel, which looked just too good to be true! (it was). I knew it had to be a scam but couldn't resist checking it out. Clearly the photos were genuine and show the best (unrestored) example I have ever seen:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-A...749.l2649.

One thing, the dimensions he gave in the ad were wrong so I asked him to check. He came back straight away with the correct measurements. And although the photo of the reverse was especially convincing, I then noticed that one of the corners was missing. He said he had clicked on the wrong photo and sent me a new photo which looked OK and which had the correct L/H ratio. So in the end, half convinced, I went ahead on the basis that it was worth the gamble and that anyway I could always get my money back via PayPal. 

Then, after making the purchase (at $390 !!!), I found and re-read this topic again, and realised it just couldn't be genuine. He has clearly got the photos from somewhere - although I can't find the item advertised anywhere else on Ebay. So I asked him to prove he owned it by sending me a photo of it together with a newspaper with today's date. Of course, he couldn't, so in the end I just told him I knew he was a scammer, said I'd be reporting him, and demanded an immediate refund. He agreed to cancel the sale but no refund was issued. So today I opened a case with PayPal. I have little doubt I'll be refunded in due course. And I have made a full report to Ebay (to add to those they already have). We'll see if they do anything: I won't hold my breath? 

It does make me wonder how this guy thinks he will profit from this type of activity when any buyer will get a refund from PayPal when the item doesn't turn up? 

In passing, Ebay did mention something which might possibly be useful. If you scroll down in an ad to the Description line, there is a "Report Item" link on the RH side. If you go to this you can report illegal activity. Probably goes into a black hole but anyway...

Incidentally, PayPal inadvertently gave me the personal email address for Mr Seema Ratti (an appropriate name in the circumstances). Could come in handy, maybe???

A final thought: maybe the Forum should include a separate topic for scams which can be quickly referred back to?

 Hi David. I have no desire to rub salt into your wounds but I'm puzzled as to why you risked your money when you knew from the start  "it was too good to be true"  and  "I knew it had to be a scam".  The sign is on Ebay, it's in India, it's a laughable price, and the guy's name is Ratti ! I hope your money comes back to you . A warning for us all then.