PLM (Blue Max) – Options on originality please

[Andy K.]

I have a question regarding for the originality of this PLM. The PLM is silver gilt and marked in the lower cross arm "938" and "W"
and in the ribbon loop "800". The enamel of the PLM was completely renewed to repair of large damages.

Has the Order the potential to be an original piece from the period of 1st World War?

I am looking forward to your opinions.

Andy

[Andy K.]

PLM (Blue Max) – Options on originality please

more pics

[Andy K.]

PLM (Blue Max) – Options on originality please

some more pics

[Andy K.]

PLM (Blue Max) – Options on originality please

last two pics

[Erickn]

Hello Sir,

What are the measurements and weight of this piece?

Regards,
E.

[Andy K.]

PLM (Blue Max) – Options on originality please

53,1 x 53,2 mm
26,37 g weight

Andy

[Erickn]

Hello Andy,

IMO, I lean more to the side, the cross does have potential of being a wartime piece but, not completely satisfied yet. It is a shame the enamel was replaced and appears the piece was cleaned. Ouch! Dimensions are in the ballpark and I can see a couple of known die flaws one may look for. More detailed clearer images would be great help. Do you have any images prior to the enamel replacement?

Regards
E.

[Don D.]

Can you get a better shot of the W and silver content mark as well?

[Andy K.]

PLM (Blue Max) – Options on originality please

Unfortunately I have no pictures of the PLM before it has been restored. That is a pity. I personally would rather buy this PLM in the damaged original condition.
The two pictures below are the last that I have received from the owner of the PLM.

Andy

[streptile]

The enamel on both sides of this PLM is new?

Just trying to understand.

Do you know when it was restored? With glass enamel?

The piece definitely looks good.

[Zepenthusiast]

A close comparison might be desired with the subject of this thread:

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

More than a couple similarities of immediate concern, I think.

Jim

[Andy K.]

PLM (Blue Max) – Options on originality please

Thanks to all for your helpfully comments and opinions.

Also in my view the PLM has many details speaking for an original wartime piece. At least you have to keep the PLM in hands.

I would rather buy this PLM in damaged original condition as now full restored, even if the enamel has been very well replaced as far as I can see on the photos.
I have now decide not to buy this PLM.

Thanks again.

Andy

[Erickn]

Hi Andy,

Good call IMO, this one will always have the stigma of an repaired piece and will never feel the same. There are other PLM's out there looking for a good home. Thanks for showing it. Happy hunting!

E.

[Zepenthusiast]

After closer inspection, red flag for being worse than a repaired piece:



Note those are "dips" in the surface, between the arrows. That is not a logically possible outcome of solid die-struck manufacture, but rather resembles the result of filling-in the space between two copied surfaces. Note that it is a bare silver color in an area that would not be subject to wear for the gilding, too.

Again:



Copied and cast from a real PlM, it will bear all the die flaws, etc., of the real thing, but the enamel and these edge finish issues give it away. Third one to emerge in less than 6 months...

[Stephen Previtera]

This piece looks textbook to me. I skipped over reading the comments, so I apologize. The eagles have everything I'd like to see in an original 1918 piece plus overall configuration. Was browsing so wanted to add to something somewhere. Rare to see one that rings the bell. Congrats to the owner.