Most Expensive Fake Iron Div Medal Ever

[Brian L.]

Obviously, the person who just paid 400 Euros on eBay for this fake Eiserne Division medal has a lot more money than sense.

Even if it was real, it wouldn't be worth nearly that much even in excellent condition with an original ribbon.

Well, at least when a good one comes up for auction, he won't be bidding.

[lewjian]

I'm no expert but it looks a convincing original to me.

This piece was posted in the forum as reference of original if I'm not mistaken.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...highlight=iron

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ivision&page=3

[Brian L.]

I wouldn't presume to call myself an expert either. But, I've been collecting Freikorps for over 40 years and I do not like the quality of this medal.

The details are too soft, especially in the teeth which is a common trait of the fakes. I don't think this is just from wear because the wear isn't consistent.

I've handled and owned originals and this just doesn't compare.

If you compare it with 2 known originals (below on the left), it becomes obvious. It's one of the better fakes I've seen. But, I''m still sure it's not real.

I wouldn't have it in my collection, nor would I pay 400 Euros even for a pristine original.

[Sergeant 08]

It was in my collection for some years. It is an original early medal. I'm sure if you had it in your hands, you would not have any doubts. It is not in best condition, but still an impressive medal and the market makes the price. Perhaps the photos gave you an wrong impression. You told us your doubts and you are a well known Freikorps collector. But nobody is perfect. All I can say is, in this case you are wrong.

PS: I wish you had it in your hands.

[Destruction]

Definitely a good one, the condition is not the best. Moreover, this very medal was in Dr. Rosenwald's collection, and shown in his article about Eiserne Division.

[Brian L.]

Nobody is perfect. I still make mistakes. I'm not an expert, as I said. I'm actually happy to be wrong, as iit gets tiresome seeing nothing but fakes of this medal on the market and I now have another frame of reference.

However, I'd like to have it in my hands to see the detail because the details in the photos were not the best, which led me to my conclusion.

However, I still think that 400 Euros is an incredible amount for this medal.

There are much rarer pieces selling for much less these days.

But, I suppose it's the glamour of the Baltic campaign and of course the wider interest in Eastern Europe that drives the market for this medal, the SSVK and the Baltic Cross.

So, since you and Sergeant 08 ARE the experts, what are your opinions of this bar with the Iron Div medal currently on eBay? The last medal, which I believe is the Russian West Armee Cross would be impossible to find.

[Brian L.]

When compared with this known fake, the medal below actually does hold up well especially the teeth.

So, I do stand corrected.

[lewjian]

... what are your opinions of this bar with the Iron Div medal currently on eBay? The last medal, which I believe is the Russian West Armee Cross would be impossible to find.

I thought it's Ehrenkreuz Marinekorps Flandern, could be wrong.
Anyway the ribbon on Iron Division medal is wrong at least, missing a couple of strips, also the folding of that ribbon is strange...

[Brian L.]

I thought it's Ehrenkreuz Marinekorps Flandern, could be wrong.
Anyway the ribbon on Iron Division medal is wrong at least, missing a couple of strips, also the folding of that ribbon is strange...

Yes. I noticed the missing stripes. The black ribbon could be for the von Randow Cross and somebody just stuck the Iron Division medal on there.

I'm pretty sure the last ribbon is the German ribbon for the Avalov Cross of the Russian West Armee.