Freikorps Von Epp opinion please

[fcheva67]

Hello,

I have found this badge:



In can see the date of 1919 but I can't read the other inscription:



For me, this badge is an original one but can you give me your opinion please?

Best regards

Franck

[Brian L.]

The inscription says "Schwegerle". This is the medalist who designed the badge.

100% original. A very nice example of what is known as the Ohrdruf Volunteers version as indicated by the green cord around the diamond. It's for those who volunteered when the Bayerisches Schützenkorp (Freikorps Epp) was formed in Ohrdruf on February 11, 1919.

[von Mackensen]

How lucky you are truly nice badge and very nice condition for the patch sleeve!
I'm still searchin about one of these!

[Brian L.]

I also meant to add that I think that your FK Epp is Reichswehr period worn as a tradition badge by Reichswehr-Brigade 21 (from October 1919) because of its elongated diamond shape and the thin style of the green whipcord. Earlier sleeve diamonds tended to be more like an angled square and those with green edges had different styles and thicknesses of whipcord (i.e. there was no standard until Freikorps Epp joined the Übergangsheer/Reichswehr). I believe this is one of the later standardized regulation diamonds worn between approximately 1920 and 1935 by both FK Epp veterans serving in the Reichswehr as well as in the SA. However, the lion badge is the first type from 1919. Likely the lion badge was just put on a new diamond when the wearer continued service in the Reichswehr.

Here is an early version of your badge from between June-October 1919 showing the more square shaped diamond and non-regulation green whipcord.

The second badge shown belonged to Unteroffizier Wilhelm Förch (pictured in 1920) of the Bayerisches Schützenkorps(von Epp)/1. bayer. Reichswehr-Schützen-Regiment 41, Reichswehr-Brigade 21, 7th Division. He was not an Ohrdruf volunteer, but joined FK Epp later: hence no green whipcord.

[fcheva67]

Hello,

I am very happy that you confirm my badge is an original one .

Thank you so much for all these information, it is really interesting.

Best regards

Franck

[taube]

Freikorps Von Epp opinion please

A general question on these badges, please.
A catalog states there is a Buntmetall-version and a bronzed zinc version.
Any ideas if that is true?
I have seen a cast version with a flat back recently.
Are these trustworthy?

Thanks,
taube.

[Brian L.]

A general question on these badges, please.
A catalog states there is a Buntmetall-version and a bronzed zinc version.
Any ideas if that is true?
I have seen a cast version with a flat back recently.
Are these trustworthy?

Thanks,
taube.

Not trustworthy.

These badges were all die-struck and should have a hollow back. They were made into at least the late 1930s and came in different metals, including a bronzed zinc version used in 1919.
There were two types: one with a high rim, the date 1919 and the designer's name 'Schwegerle' and another thinner version with a low rim and no date or designer's name.
There are also versions from the late 30s with RZM markings on the back.

[taube]

Freikorps Von Epp opinion please

Thanks!
Meanwhile, I found out that a company named "Schneider & Sohn" located in Kyoto, Japan, offers those cast Epp badges as quality reproductions.
Those seem to be the ones that occur on German ebay regularly.
Of course, none of the sellers mention them being repros.

[mchap]

Thanks!
Meanwhile, I found out that a company named "Schneider & Sohn" located in Kyoto, Japan, offers those cast Epp badges as quality reproductions.
Those seem to be the ones that occur on German ebay regularly.
Of course, none of the sellers mention them being repros.

Can you post a source for the Japan based Schneider & Sohn company? I havent read anything about it until your post.

[taube]

Freikorps Von Epp opinion please

http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/ha/schmidt/auslands.html

Sorry for the mistake, it is "Schmidt & Sohn"

[mchap]

Thanks for the link.
Too bad we cant view the Epp backside.... the badge *looks* original, but sewn onto their cloth backing.

Its quite clear to me, these guys are churning out products to deceive the unsuspecting.

[Brian L.]

The black cloth on the diamond is the wrong material and the stiffened burlap backing is also wrong. The finish on the badges is noticeably off.

But, still these would be incredibly convincing for many newer collectors.

Surprisingly, these von Epp fakes have only turned up occasionally on eBay and don't sell well as most people know about them. In contrast, eBay is flooded with all that dodgy Third Reich stuff.