Fake Latvian 1870 EK1

[Doug See]

Looks a bit like a Godet from the front, doesn't it? More Latvian junk---don't get fooled.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2170848295

[Brian S]

Pretty nice job on that one. How long until these end up on dealer sites?

[Teuton]

Newbie question here I know but I want to learn everything I can:

How can you tell?


-Cole

[Doug See]

Originally posted by Teuton
Newbie question here I know but I want to learn everything I can:

How can you tell?


-Cole

1) It helps to have examined several REAL 1870's in hand so you can compare details. The core details on the crown do not match any known originals
2) The pin is incorrect and looks machine made. 1870 pins and hinges were generally hand made.
3) The frame metal is wrong--it looks like stainless steel. The brush marks on the back are wrong.
4) The characterisitics (pin, shape, core detail) of this cross match other known fakes out of Latvia which include 1914 and 1939 versions. All exhibit same manufacturing characteristics.
4) The details on the core are a little TOO precise, as if laser cut. Real 1870 cores are highly detailed, have very high bas relief, but do not look "cut" like these. The W is too wide. The whole badge is just too "perfect".
5) It is from Latvia, which in my opinion, makes it suspect to begin with. There are a lot of fake badges coming out of there.

There are a couple of other details which make it very obvious that this is a modern mass produced piece and totally out of character for an 1870, but I am not going to help these crooks improve their "quality" by listing them here.

[Teuton]

Thanks Mr. See!

-Cole

[Brian S]

The auction will disappear soon but the item NEVER will so here it is for posterity for all to gaze at in wonder and awe at modern Latvian innovation.

[Brian S]

Brushed on ageing chemicals obvious.

[Eric Gaumann]

I've seen that image before; with the little piece of blue fiber where the right and lower arms near each other.
That fake patina looks similar to the faked, high-end, Soviet Orders I've seen images of, and is kinda obvious once you know what to look for.
Although I can't comment on this medals "fakeness" since I don't have the resources to even consider buying a pre-1914 EK and therefore have no valid opinion I *will* say I'd love to have this sucker in my collection. As a hole-filler. For maybe 20 or 30 bucks. And one of the fake RKs. And one of the fake DKs.

[Vadim K]

And one of the fake RKs. And one of the fake DKs.

Anything else? Ah, what the hell, just give us the full list.

As for you having seen this image before, I think these Latvian guys have a handful of photos that they list over and over, the photos are not of the actual cross being sold, I am sure.

And would you look at that, its 500th post for me...

[Brian S]

Congrats, you get to buy the next round of beer.