Pole top on estand

[Don D.]

I have no experience with these so I have to ask, is it real?

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru....php?t=1021120

[VtwinVince]

I have my doubts on this one.

[Brian L.]

Firstly, it's not WWI, but a 1920s veteran's pole-top. Secondly, I have owned a few of these and IMO I think this is a cast repro. Even if authentic, the price is way off.

[rbminis]

IMO, too much porosity around the outside edge.
Ralph.

[gregM]

I would have a lot more faith in it if the cross was not a "Large crown-
closed 4" type cross.

Also, the cross frame has no definition at all and in the last picture,
look at the cross 3 0'clock arm. Notice how thick it is. I think it's cast.

[Brian L.]

I would have a lot more faith in it if the cross was not a "Large crown-
closed 4" type cross.

Also, the cross frame has no definition at all and in the last picture,
look at the cross 3 0'clock arm. Notice how thick it is. I think it's cast.

The matte black on the cross is wrong. Any I've ever seen had a black lacquer finish. Also, the brass parts were always gilded in the typical matte or fire gilding one sees on medals and badges of the period (such as: Mecklenburg War Merit Cross).

The "pickling" or oxidation seen on the eStand one looks chemically done and isn't how these were supposed to look. Overall, the detail isn't there and it's clear it's a poorly made cast.

There are actually much better quality ones being sold on eBay as reproductions for $135 USD.

Here's a repro example that has much better detail and more of a proper finish that is closer to what one would see on an original.