But George, cmon, as of this post the badge was at almost $80 dollars Canadian! I'm not calling these people "dummies" but I am positive they don't know that they are Free. What gets me is that they are being sold in plain plastic wrappers without the gorgeous presentation wallet with the nice period picture ad of the black 164(?) that we are so familiar with.

To wit, I have gotten only positive responses from the numerous ebay bidders who I have contacted thanking me for showing them where these badges come from in much the same way one might thoughtfully correct a seller advertising Virgos that claim to fit on the newer V-90. I word my messages to both the bidders and sellers in language that doesn't detract from the sprit of the auction. I'll ask the bidder: "are these the same badges available free from Volvo N.A. at thier website?" This way the prospective buyer can scroll down the listing and and make their own judgements. Meanwhile I'll contact the bidder through their e-mail to share the same information, again, carefully worded so as not to detract from the auction.

In your case you went into the deal educated and ahead of the game whereas these folks are not. One of the other badges from the same seller was being bid on from someone in Asia - which mirrors your situation. Maybe I am being too altruistic or idealistic (or I have to much spare time); I've noticed nobody is really responding to this post, but I feel these little scams denegrate the marque, the hobby, and take advatage of well meaning enthusiatic brick owners. Enough said.