WWII Free French Para wing

[Wartime Collectables]

Anyone familiar with these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310422051586...586%26_rdc%3D1

[scotty1418]

Hi Andrew,

As a French collector - I've learned to treat Free French items as German collectors do SS - it's a real minefield since there were so FEW made wartime for a very small group.

Due to the rarity, etc, they've been targets for copying and faking over the years. Unless I found something like this through an ironclad source with good proof of origin, it wouldnt be worth it for me.

I see seemingly fake free french stuff go off on ebay quite regularly.

Sorry I cant give more specific opinions about the piece in question.

Scott

[Tonomachi]

Does anyone know if this was an original Free French paratrooper wing? I was following the bidding on Ebay and at least 6 bidders felt it was real of which two of them bid pretty high. The paratrooper wing sold for $588.00. I've seen three different variations of this particular paratrooper wing where the fronts are identical however the backs are slightly different. The one on Ebay had a light colored backing material. I've seen one with a dark colored backing material. I've also seen one without any backing material with just the glue like substance spread along the back to I guess give some stiffness. You see this glue on the backs of British insignia made during WW2.

[Bond]

I don't know much about these, but the glue backed example mentioned by Tonomachi is likely to be an original. As Scott mentioned, this type of insignia is a minefield and a good solid known history is the best way to go.

Jerry

[Tonomachi]

Thanks for the information. I don't know about anybody else but I have a difficult time locating some of the more rarer items for my collection with provenance so at times I take a chance. I'm sure that those that try and deceive collectors with fake stuff count on this.

[scotty1418]

Just came across this by chance suggesting it looks to be a good one!

http://www.forum-insignes-medailles....highlight=fafl

[peter monahan]

Only my opinion, of course, but in the circumstances - ie: rare badge, much faked, not the circumstances of this particular example - I'd be very tempted to buy an acknowledged 'repro.' cheap and save the $588.00 for something else. but that's just me!

Peter