Ehrhardt badge

[IR61]

Hi guys!

How about this one? And i know crappy pictures...

[leibregiment]

Not for me, ebay I would guess ?

[IR61]

Hi!

10 points to you! Yes from E bay.Its rather well done. I think its one of the better copys.

Kind regards Tommy

[Brian L.]

I'd have to see better pics of the back to be sure. But, I actually think this one is ok. Pattern 2, variation 2.

The copies of these tend to have a "soft" reverse with indistinct details because they have been stamped rather than die-struck.

[Brian L.]

Here's an example of the fake (Pattern 2, variation 1) with the "soft" reverse. The front details are ok, but don't carry over onto the back.

The one posted by Tommy seems to have sharp details on the reverse and a slight flange around the strike which is correct.


The 2nd pattern Ehrhardt has been copied for 30 years (not so the 1st pattern) because SS collectors wanted them, as the Ehrhardt Brigade were in the SS from 1933-34. But, the 2nd pattern is not the shield worn in the SS. It was the much smaller 54 mm shield with distinctly different details that was worn. Even German dealers get this information wrong all the time. Most of the early copies were quite bad. But, as you can see with the copy posted here, they've gotten better. This one is for sale for 185 Euros on Militaria321, admittedly a website full of junk, but also some good stuff too.

[Brian L.]

Having looked at the other pics on eBay of the badge in question, I'd like to revise my opinion and say that it's fake.

It is one of the ones with the "soft" reverse details. You should be able to see a negative image of the front down to the twists in the rope frame. The detail just isn't there.

Here is mine. As you can see, the reverse details of the rope twist and texture, the line grain of the Ehrhardt cartouche, the curls of the waves, the boards on the ship and veins of the oakleaves etc. are clearly evident. Also, there is a thin, flat flange around the edges of all the cutout areas to give added strength to the badge. All this is absent from the fakes.

[Coburg]

Brian,

As ever, you are a mine of information!! Thanks for explaining.

All the best

Jim