Imperial U Boat badge opinions

[Xray]

Any comments appreciated

[Xray]

Forgot to subscribe to thread

[Don D.]

Details are soft on the front and the pin/catch don't look like the ones you normally find. Either this badge has seen heavy use or its a casting. Note the wear/casting bubbles on the top right of the wreath under the croan to the right of the vertical band as you look at it.

Let's see what others have to say.

[Xray]

Thanks for the input Don.
Haven't had the chance to see the pin arrangement of a verified original, but it does seem to me that it appears fresher than the rest of the badge, and almost a different metal composition, as this first pic here suggests



Could be that is was just shielded from wear & exposure better than the rest - And I do agree that this item certainly does appear to have seen quite alot of field use, whether it is legitimate wear, improper handling or an outright attempt at deception I guess would be the main question.

Here is another pic from an opposite angle, which shows quite a bit of scratching to the deck of the craft



And finally, if this is the area you refer to that looks like possible casting bubbles, I'd say that is possible. Examined under magnification, it appears to be grit or possibly corrosion that has ingrained itself into some surface imperfections, hard to tell if these were caused by a cast, possible worn dies or wear.



Look forward to any other thoughts, pro or con.

[Don D.]

I'm sure others will chime in shortly. Perhaps weight and measurements will help.

[Xray]

Yes, weight is 23.6 grams, about 5mm in length.

[Peter J.]

The maker mark is not what I expect it to be

cheers
Peter

[tgn]

The pin and catch are not correct. They are reminiscent of '57 hardware...Tom

[saschaw]

Looks like a cast, modern fake to me, sorry.

[Ron P]

At the very least, the pin is a replacement. That said, to me the reverse finish and mm look believable. Regards, Ron.

[Xray]

Many thanks for the comments/opinions, all appreciated.
I agree with your assesment Ron, the pin, though it looks professionally done, does not look period, now that I've had a chance to see a few.
Which leaves the question of the badge itself. Seems odd that any repro would have such honest looking & extensive wear.
To those in favor of this being a cast, I'd only ask exactly what is drawing you to that conclusion .. Bearing in mind that imperfections can usually be picked out even on clean originals, looked at in high res.

Now one like this
Which is from a site advertising it as repro, it is obvious and just terrible looking, especially the hull of the boat.
Even under magnification, I can see no such evidence of casting on this one.

Not disagreeing with that assessment at this point, just trying to pick your brains a bit.

Regards