Feld Ehrenzeichen Hamburg Cross

[Feldzug]

Hello,
The Feld-Ehrenzeichen Hamburg is a badge that I have seen from time to time and it is one that I would like to add to my small WW1 collection. I have been trying to find out as much as I can about them.
I was hoping that maybe some members might be able to tell me if these have been faked/copied yet, and if they have, what to look out for?
Also, are there any makers variations, pin mounts, or reverse marks?
Thanks in advance,
FZ

[Claudius]

Hello Feldzug;

The Feld-Ehrenzeichen Hamburg is a badge that I have seen from time to time and it is one that I would like to add to my small WW1 collection.
-Good, nice looking badge.

I have been trying to find out as much as I can about them.
-The award was unofficial, made after the war by a veterans' association in Leipzig and Hamburg. The Feld-Ehrenzeichen went to all Association members who had served at the front in the Great War. There are documents and boxes and even lapel minis of this badge.

I was hoping that maybe some members might be able to tell me if these have been faked/copied yet, and if they have, what to look out for?
-Yes, they have been faked/copied. The "enamel" could be paint or plastic. On the back, the impressed "Ges. GESCH" in the oval should be crisp as it was stamped into the piece and not fat and bulbous like it was from mold (which the fakes are). The rest of the inscription should look crisp and tight as well.
In person inspections are best way to tell and Dealers are a good source.

Also, are there any makers variations, pin mounts, or reverse marks?
-They all have the same reverse marks, but have different pins that are legit.

Good luck and shows us what you got when you buy one..(with a return agreement if necessary.)

Claudius

[morel5000]

Hi,

I recently also posted some questions about the decoration, and there seem to be a Hamburg 11 and an Hamburg 3 version. The latter having the "split" pin. See


http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=356698

hence there are two versions, with different marks on the back. Does anyone know the story (bit of a btt of the other thread, sorry )

Thanks,

Michel

[Feldzug]

Hello and thank you both so much for the information and links.
I think it may be a bit of time before I can get my hands on one as there are no dealers or good shops where I live. So I will probably have to wait until I can get to a Military Fair, or find one for a 'good' price a dealers list.
I have seen a number of these badges on various auction sites over the last year, so that is why I was wondering about copies being made.
It is a very attractive award and would look very good with the small collections of German WW1 awards I have.
Many thanks once again,
FZ