GAB "25" RK - As Requested

[STUPA216]

It was suggested that I put this badge up for discussion. So here goes. If you have specific thoughts with facts to back em up please feel free to comment.
Here are the details 48mm wide, 58 mm tall, veining in leaves is obvious, number box is angled, pin is maagnetic, catch wire is crimped in round base, RK maker mark matches original examples, beak has pushed in look, stipped appearance to the reverse. Stippling is also on crimped down pieces holding hinge in place. Hinge sits in a recess in badge.

Kurt

[STUPA216]

More Pics

#2

[STUPA216]

Pic 3

Here ya go

[STUPA216]

Pic 4

Another

[STUPA216]

Pic #4

Another

[Chet Sowersby]

Kurt,
To begin with, I do not collect these. I have been burnt twice on these prior to becomming a member of this forum. The numbers in the box are no where near to what is accepted as orginal of this maker. The hinge has problems of it's own also. The "bubbling" of the finish on the reverse doesn't seem right either. IMO, it's a reproduction.

Chet

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Kurt,

I made this comparsion to show you what the box thing is all about. Could make another one with hinges, but that box example says it all.

[Larry Lipps]

Guys, it appears to me that I see a trace of a punch marks next to the left rivet. Not a good sign.

[Lorenzo Brown]

Hi. I agree with all of the other comments. I think the badge is a reproduction. Here is a comparison
to an authentic RK GAB. There are other comparison points, but these are just a few on the reverse:
A. Hinge construction differs. Also note how pin is crimped;
B. General shape of the wreath is different;
C. Pin construction. This is very important since RK used a very unique pin that was slightly "pinched",
thus creating small ridges on the sides and a small folding over at the widest portion of the pin that
is not visible on your example.
D. Number box. The box on yours is longer than on authentic examples, in addition to the the number
difference previously noted by Frank.

[IVAN]

Hi,

I agree with all said before.

Only notice that general shape of wreath around of rivets place in reverse side CAN be different, very rare, but can be. In hollow types is more easy to see different shape. Crimped hinge is good done, like early types, never can see in fakes so good crimped, maybe in new fakes ( .....with all notices we give in this forum )

This badge is very good done, I don't want say is a sure fake, but I wouldn't want to have in my collection. What I think is: is possible to do so good crimped hinge, hallmark......and do completly wrong the numbered box ? fakers are so crazy ? sure they take an original and most original around have the numbered box showed from Frank..........

this badge can be comparated in some characteristics ( for example in round base of hook ) about an unmarked type of numbered ( JFS characteristics ) PAB in silver. That one somebody say is good original, but I like to have only known types.

I am sure we don't know all around these kind of badges..........

[Frank Heukemes]

sure they take an original and most original around have the numbered box showed from Frank..........

I disagree on that, Ivan. In my opinion ALL original RK 25 GABs have that same number box. Are you convinced there is another genuine 25 number box? Do you have an example badge?

Also the hinge is clearly different to the type crimp of known originals. Why that?

[IVAN]

I disagree on that, Ivan. In my opinion ALL original RK 25 GABs have that same number box. Are you convinced there is another genuine 25 number box? Do you have an example badge?

Also the hinge is clearly different to the type crimp of known originals. Why that?

No, for me too is the only one acceptable type. Was only my thought of why they have done so a big mistake.........

[Brian S]

Dear Kurt,


I made this comparsion to show you what the box thing is all about. Could make another one with hinges, but that box example says it all.

Frank, any possibility of seeing a nice high res photo of #6? The entire badge? Could you email it to me so I can compare to mine.

[stogieman]

Kurt....

.... I posted examples of an original of this badge for you in the GD Forum. I concur with all the points exemplified here, as well as stand by my statements over there.
It stinks when you find out that a badge you have enjoyed for years, from a reputable source, is bad. I am hoping that whomever sold this to you as an original badge, will at least refund to you the original purchase price of this badge. Perhaps you should tell us who the seller is? maybe some political pressure would help? Over at GD, I believe you posted that the badge was purchased on "another forum's eStand"... would that be our eStand?

PS: Nice montage photo shots Frank & Lorenzo!