Hi Charles...Is there a list of chips known to be altered?...any chip that has been drilled is suspect. I have never bought a drilled chip before. I am now considering the fact that drilled chips may enter my collection. I had a hummel that my wife's mother left her repaired a few years ago. You cannot tell it was repaired. Your going to have to ask for a history report before you shell out the big bucks for a rarity. Or as many of us do keep records of when & who you purchased each chip from. Ask when & where it was obtained, and have the seller sign a statement that it was not altered. I doubt an x-ray will help except for brass cores...our only hope is that the manufacturers will find a way to detect atlerations. I'm sure the Board is doing everything possible to deal with this problem & help identify those responsible & those that would profit from this situation.
Rich Figarotta R-1593