FrontReif badge

[Al P]

Posting pics for Bob I

[Tom Yanacek]

This badge looks like a crude casting. Not original in my opinion. I have never seen any documented evidence that a badge like this even existed during the Third Reich. I know that some collector's feel that there is a possibility of these being genuine, but in my opinion, purely a fantasy piece. Would never want one in my collection.
Best regards! Tom
PS: Please show a picture of the reverse if possible.

[Al P]

That is one bizarre looking piece, and I doubt it is 'authentic' as well.

Here is the only related thread I could find

FrontReif

Al

[MIKE12550]

I have never seen one before,and attribute that to it being a fantasy piece. thanks,mike

[skip]

These badges were apparantly worn by the guys testing UBoots before them being delivered to the Kriegsmarine. Questions among german collector friends of mine reveal that they are generally accepted as being authentic, albeit unofficial.
I only once had the chance to study an apparant original. Quality ws a lot better than the shown example with a very sharp eagle detail rivaling a normal warbadge.
Reverse was the kind of safety pin fitting also found on party badge or tinnies.
I think the shown example is a cast copy.

Skip

[rhudspith]

Hi Skip,

Interesting what you say, I have had the opportunity to obtain a couple of these in the past but never been convinced by them. Some had near perfect gold finish some worn but in general they never had the quality of something I would have expected to be issued, even if contracted under private order. Just did not look good and could not imagine anyone wanting to wear it.

Having said that I don't remember ever seeing one as you describe. I don't suppose you could get any photos of this?

[Bob Hritz]

A complete fantasy piece. The posted example is a 2nd generation copy cast from the older pieces which originated, and were created, in Cave Creek, Arizona. The design was taken from an original photo showing the painted emblem at a U-Boat station.

For those who want to believe, the dealer has them in stock, at any time, in Cave Creek, Arizona. Stock up now before the mold wears out!

Bob Hritz