Naval Observer Badge for thoughts

[Tom M]

Hi Gents.

What’s your thoughts on this damages observer? Sorry for the poor images.

Cheers,
Tom

[Lubo]

Hi Tom, the messed up reverse IMO has a purpose to distract you/us from what it really is - one of the many fakes out there. As much as I want to say - I kind of like it, I must say - stay away! Better pics of the front won’t be this much helpful as these are faked to perfection.

[Hagrid]

Hi Tom!
Not so easy with these pictures - question is, whether the badge has soft details by cast (cast flaw right side of the eye?) or lack of photographic sharpness.
Besides that: It´s the square- punch design (Dillenius?), which could explain the missing MM (removed with the pin).
If the hardware has been replaced with two screw- on-devices (note the different tone of gilding on the solder), one would exspect to see traces of the removed catch and hinge - unless the repairs would be placed right onto these spots...
In the latter case the lower site of repair seems not to be consistent with the usual catch application spot for square punch specimens.

What makes no sense to me are the sharp edges on the reverse (at the bow and the crown cut-outs) in contrast to the grade of wear on the front...

One of the classic „has to be judged in hand“ - pieces at best (maybe better pictures would be helpful as well) , but I fear Lubo could be right with his opinion

Regards
Hagrid

[Mike Kenny]

It looks like this badge has been riveted onto something, eg a cigarette case. I'd guess someone thought it was worth more off the original item.

Regards
Mike

[Tom M]

Thanks Gents. I will try to source better pics of it but I am veering towards leaving it regardless based on the condition and the industrious fakery.

Yours,
Tom