I've recently had one of the worst militaria dealing experiences of my life, and I thought it poor enough to share with the forum. The dealer in question is Alan Beadle, through his website a-bmilitaria.com.

I ordered a bayonet knot (item# Y4815) using credit card and the checkout feature on his site. The card was charged for the item in question. Mr Beadle apparently wasn't in at the time, and would return 10 days after the puchase (which I do not have a problem with). The item in question arrived almost a month later. It was the incorrect knot.

After repeatedly explaining the situation to Mr. Beadle (how hard is it to understand, I ordered this item, you sent that!), Mr. Beadle finally admitted that he understood. When I told him that I wanted the item I ordered, he said that he did not have it anymore!! So, I wound up paying for an item that he didn't even have, and instead of being honest with me, he tried to pass off another item and hope I wouldn't notice or complain! I would not have had as much of a problem had it not been for the obvious dishonesty on his part.

Well, I did. On top of that, he charged me over $33.00 for shipping, and looking at the postage on the envelope he used, it cost him $3.14.

Finally, to top it all off, the "refund" is only going to cover the item cost, not the shipping both ways, which will amount to quite a bit.

This has to be one of the most pathetic deals I have ever had the distinct displeasure of being a part of. I highly suggest a great deal of caution when buying from Alan Beadle.

If this isn't the right place on this forum to post this, please let me know where I should. I just thought I would share it with fellow BCNers.

Nate

Beadle is a well known "Clown" and I dont mean as in circus.
Keep well away from him.
Seiler (Yank in UK)

I remember years ago when someone would come on here and do this,had a bad deal and the dealer would not "do the right thing" the mods would shut it down asap. Remember that Gustavo!!! well its about time that the mods allow this to be seen. Good for GDC!!!
Mr.Friedlander lets hope that the word is spreading about this guy. Sorry you were duped but that is the downside to the web based market today.
I miss the old days of waiting for the mailman to come with the updated catalogue!!
Bret Van Sant

Nate has written out his problem with the dealer correctly. No agenda or witch hunt. He explained what happened and is NOT happy with the piece he's paid for and the service,,,and is good enough to warn us all when dealing with this dealer..
Name calling, threats, etc., won't be tolerated on any site so keep it simple and fair and it will ride 9 times out of 10..

A few years ago my friend has an unpleasant experience with this same dealer regarding an SS Dog Tag. He wasn't thinking and sent the tag back right away [it was fake] and this dealer claimed he never received it. That was the end of story, no refund, no tag, no explanation!

Thanks for your support, guys. I don't want to bad mouth anyone, I just want to inform fellow collectors of the truth. There is almost no recourse for us in these instances, and less than ethical dealers take advantage of that.

And it really is a shame that this kind of thing even occurs. It's poor business, plain and simple. Had he been honest with me, I would have certainly continued to shop there, and refer others there as well. Instead, in an attempt to make a measley $100, he has sacrificed any further business on my part, not to mention the business he might lose from reports like this. It just doesn't make sense to me. Not to mention the fact that all I have to do is file a dispute with my credit card company, and given the circumstances, I will most likely have all of my funds returned. It's so silly!!

I've also had dealings with Alan Beadle. I bought a 98k bayonet and scabbard from him a few months ago, he is difficult to deal with and the scabbard turned out to be missing the throat screw. I certainly won't be dealing with him again, and it turns out he's only about 25 miles away.

I would go over and "introduce" myself in person. I feel certain things would be "worked out".

Mark

Sorry KT,but you dont know Beadle.
A first class s***
Seiler (Yank in UK)