I forgot to upload the pictures this morning with my example of Zulu patination.
This is a 1960's maidens Milk pail.
The first taken with a flash to show surface texture. Notice the wood grain
The second availbable light to show color textures. Notice it is not uniform
There is one other characteristic that you can't see, this milk pail smells of wood smoke.
All the original wood that I have seen so far on Zulu weapons and tools is raw wood, light colored. Any dark wood has been "enhanced" for the antique market. None of the enhanced objects smell of smoke. It's a shame too as some of the objects would be very nice if left alone.
Another thing that strikes me about the axe, the rivet. I haven't seen any Zulu metal work yet, with a rivet. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just means I haven't seen it.
Ebay feed back. Positive feed back is almost meaningless. It means the goods were shipped out fast and the receiver liked them. It doesn't serve to verify authenticity. Hidden feedback is meaningful, it means buyer beware.