Fake flame-thrower badge?

[Edward J.]

For some reason I can't post an attachment to show the picture, but here's a Gedenkblatt allegedly from a former member of the flame-thrower detachment of Sturmbataillon Rohr.

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/3369687

The Totenkopf badge looks fake to me. The shape doesn't correspond to any of the photos I've seen.

The real badge has a much more refined outline to the skull and the bones. This one looks like a crude copy to me, done by someone without access to a real badge.

Comments?

[Don D.]

Hello Edward, welcome to the forum. You have to be an Association member to post pics or use a hosting service. I'll post these pics for you:

[Don D.]

The badge.

[Edward J.]

Thanks, Don. I appreciate it.

EJ

[Chip M]

You are right. This is not an issue badge. First of all, the issue badges were applied to an oval backing of Feldgrau material. This one appears to have been sewn on a piece of cloth that supposedly is cut directly from the uniform. Secondly, as you have mentioned, this is not the right skull. Not even close. I have seen the original item and many pictures of it being worn. The only variation that I know of is the officer's bullion version. I believe that this an outright fake. I can think of no legitimate reason for it being made.

Chip

[Chip M]

....

[Edward J.]

Thanks, Chip.

Also, the paper uses the term Garde-Feld-Pionier, a term I've never seen before.

Does anyone know if this term was commonly used?