RAO 4th class with swords - opinions

[GRB]

I would welcome any opinions on this RAO 4th class with swords. Thanks.

0000.jpg

000.jpg

00.jpg

0.jpg

1.jpg

[VtwinVince]

Are the swords hollow? Any maker's marks?

[GRB]

VtwinVince,
There is no maker's mark. The swords look like they are made in two parts so I think they are hollow.

[VtwinVince]

I'm assuming the swords are screw-in. I think the piece has potential, although the sword blades seem a little short, so it could be a wearer's copy. I think Trevor (streptile) is our resident RAO expert.

[GRB]

Vtwinvince,
Thanks for your feedback.

[streptile]

These are very difficult to judge even from excellent photos, and these photos are not particularly great. Are the swords gold or silver gilt? On an award piece, the gold swords should be hollow and screwed in without solder on the joins. A potential red flag for me is also the sloppy join on the right sword grip (at about 5 o'clock). A lot of these RAO4X pieces are made by collectors with an RAO4 and swords from a KO4. In this case, it can be difficult to match the old Imperial thread with a modern tap, so the threads don't match precisely between the original sword element (grip or blade) and the new hole. Therefore the fit is sloppy, the sword element can be loose, and it is sometimes tacked in with solder (or even glue).

For me, for a gold sword on an award piece, I like to see a perfect fit:

IMG_4732.jpg

... and a sword element that can be partly rotated out by hand:

1733 Schwertgriff im Medaillon.jpg

Overall, this piece has to be judged in hand to see if the swords are gold or gilt, screwed or soldered, hollow or solid. That's an annoying answer but the only thing that makes this a $2000 piece instead of a $300 piece is the swords.

[GRB]

streptile,
Thanks for the information. Much appreciated.

The swords look hollow and are screwed in.

I will post another couple of pictures later.

Regards,
GRB

[GRB]

A few more photo's as promised.

[GRB]

Any further comments/opinions?