As far as I know it is real. My mom gave it to me to put on here so I could get seeds for her. She sure seems to think it is. I do have a loop. But I am not an expert. I would hate for you to get it then it not be genuine. There is really no place close around here to have it checked out. We are kinda rural. But I do know that it has been around since I was a kid. If that helps any. And I am teetering on 50.