Investigation Report
Generated on Feb 15, 2026
Authentic USSR Vintage 1959 Air Force Enlisted Parade-Walking Out Hat #106 by RUSSIAN ISLAND STORE (eBay)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/315359582975Why we think so?
RUSSIAN ISLAND STORE is a high-volume eBay seller specializing in Soviet and Russian militaria, coins, and collectibles. Their listing for an "Authentic USSR Vintage 1959 Air Force Enlisted Parade-Walking Out Hat #106" is priced at $149.95, and the seller claims rare, original provenance. RUSSIAN ISLAND STORE boasts a 99.7% positive feedback score and has sold over 1,800 units of this specific hat, suggesting consistent demand and transaction volume. The store inventory is diverse and mostly focused on similar themed vintage items. Direct online complaints or credible reports of counterfeit goods or review manipulation were not found. The seller accepts standard payment methods (PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover) and offers 30-day buyer returns (buyer pays return shipping). Prices for similar Soviet air force caps vary across the market but are generally lower for more common models; genuine, early enlisted variants are less frequent. No evidence indicates scam activities or counterfeit practices for this listing or the wider seller profile, but buyers should note the high sold quantity for a claimed "rare" item. The overall risk is low, but collectors should always examine listing photos, descriptions, and feedback trends closely before making expensive purchases.
Risk Insights
High Seller Reputation
- 99.7% positive feedback on eBay
- Large, consistent inventory of similar items
- No external scam or counterfeit reports
Volume vs. Rarity
- Over 1,800 units sold of 'rare' hat
- Buyers should verify item originality and details
Collector Market Price
- Price is higher than many other Soviet-era hats
- Premium likely due to year/model and claimed authenticity
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Unusually high number of sales (1,885) for a supposedly 'rare' vintage military hat could suggest the item is less scarce than claimed.
- The seller's focus on Soviet/Russian memorabilia, an area often targeted by counterfeiters, warrants cautious examination of item details and provenance claims.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Identity Consistency
Score: 98
Identity Consistency
"Seller name, product offering, and branding are consistently presented."
Reason: The listing, seller profile, and product focus match throughout eBay’s platform. The seller identity and business niche are clearly established.
Reputation & Review Signal
Score: 93
Reputation & Review Signal
"Feedback on eBay is 99.7% positive with no large clusters of negative reviews identified."
Reason: Seller profile has a near-perfect positive feedback record, and there are no external scam or counterfeit flags. External searches return only neutral or positive references.
Product Authenticity Signal
Score: 90
Product Authenticity Signal
"Given the 1,800+ sold units, rarity claims may be overstated, but item-specific photos add confidence."
Reason: No credible evidence disputes authenticity. Detail images and exact-item shipment support the seller’s claims, but the high sales count requires some skepticism about actual rarity.
Fulfillment Pattern Consistency
Score: 95
Fulfillment Pattern Consistency
"Returns, payments, and shipment geography align with standard, reputable eBay seller practices."
Reason: 1,885 units sold with a 30-day return policy and standard payment options point to a reliable, consistent fulfillment track record.
Counterfeit/Manipulation Indicators
Score: 85
Counterfeit/Manipulation Indicators
"No disputes currently identified, but the militaria niche warrants ongoing caution due to counterfeiting risk."
Reason: External scans for scam accusations or counterfeit complaints came up empty. No patterns of review manipulation or false inventory seen.
Legal & Platform Compliance
Score: 92
Legal & Platform Compliance
"Returns accepted, buyer protection available, all payment methods supported."
Reason: Seller appears to comply with eBay policies, including buyer protections, payment methods, and return terms.
Your Next Steps
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1
If purchasing, carefully review the photo gallery and seller notes, as each item is listed as 'exact hat you see on the pictures.'
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2
Review the seller’s detailed feedback profile for recurring complaints referencing authenticity, delays, or customer service.
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3
Be aware that pricing on rare militaria can fluctuate widely. Compare features and provenance against similar items on other platforms before committing.
Key Evidence & Citations
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eBay item listing
⤷ Provides specific product details, sales volume, and seller terms.
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eBay seller profile (Russian Island Store)
⤷ Gives feedback rating, inventory, and historical sales footprint.
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Market price comparables and scam search
⤷ Benchmarks product value and checks for scam complaints externally.
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