posted 07-01-2024 02:04 PM               

I received an angry message from a person in the community claiming that this was not a flown tile, and that I was knowingly selling a fake. They claimed it was a Russian tile because there was no serial number and they were reporting my listing.

I replied and explained that the tile does have a serial number and it is visible in the second photo. I also explained how I can tell this was a flown tile. I asked what other reasons make them think this is a "fake" tile. They never replied, but later went on to share my listing on their twitter account, calling me an "ass" and that I was selling a fake.

I replied to his post on twitter with information proving this was a flown tile, but he just deleted and blocked my account.

I have over a dozen tiles and AFRSI blankets and have been buying and selling tiles for 15 years. So I know what a flown one looks like, and this is 100% a flown tile. I can't prove it's from Challenger, but I did state in the auction there is no NASA paperwork, just the note.

I don't mind being challenged on an item, but this person has only provided one reason he thinks the tile is a "fake" and that was disproved in the second photo.

This is a small community, and my reputation means a lot to me, but this person knows full well that this is an authentic shuttle tile and is making these posts and comments out of spite.

posted 07-01-2024 11:24 PM               

Buran tiles have a more rough surface at the back and an engraved number. This one here has a smooth appearance. Furthermore I can see a quality inspection stamp on the back, the tile ID number is hard to see but it is existent.