Kokarde Help

[Dean Brock]

Hello Gentleman,
I'm wondering how to tell an original Kokarde from a repro , if any such thing is possible? I can remember being told years ago an original is lighter than a repro.Is there any validity to that? I've included a pic of the two Kokardes that I gathered to complete my Pickel. I know this is slpitting hairs but the national one weighs 1 gram vs the state at 3 grams. If this is correct do I need to bring my scale when looking for a real sample (just joking). Anyway any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Dean

[Chip M]

Dean,

I know that the repros have gotten quite good, but I would really doubt that they have figured out a way to make the the paint be brittle enough to pop out like it does on original period pieces.

Chip

[Daniel Murphy]

Chip,
I agree, I love the chipped ones because I know they are real. Besides everyone knows the fakes are 4.782 grams. . Sorry had to inject some humor. Easiest way to spot the fakes are sloppy modern paint, often with the red, a blood red. On many of the originals the red is an orange-red perhaps due to fading. Also old rust in the right places can be a good indicator as well as paint that has run onto the back. These things were made by the millions by god knows how many maufacturers, there are bound to be diferences in weight, details etc. The best way I know how to describe it is that a real one should just shout real! For a rare one like one of the small duchies, pull out the loupe and look very closely to make sure it is not a real original cocarde that has been repainted. I have duplicated the paint without brushstrokes when I needed a rare one and could not find it, but I will not state the method here. Too many eyes. If I ever sell the helmet, I will let the buyer know. BTW, all you guys, don't ask, I won't tell.
Daniel Murphy

[Dean Brock]

Thanks Guys
Dean