DKiG with a lot of questions

[Alex W.]

I received this DKiG today but more than anything else, it leaves me with a lot of questions.
While the pin is marked L/58 for Souval, this DKiG clearly differs from all the Souval DK’s I’m familiar with.
The wreath is unknown to me, at least it doesn’t match postwar Souval or St&L pieces.
The wreath is riveted onto the body with rivets I’ve seen on late production Souval badges.
The cross insert and the silver disc underneath is one piece ! Nothing I’ve ever seen.
The starburst looks like one of the black ones that was used in the early years. The paint seems a little thicker than what I’m used to see on the really early DK’s.
As for the reverse... the hinge block is different from what i’ve seen before on Souval DK’s. The clasp looks similar to the ones that were used on the first postwar DK’s just after the war. The pin is the typical tapered type marked L/58.
This DKiG looks like a combination of various parts of different time periods. The unknown riveted wreath together with the one piece Ek1 & disc however makes this DK even more confusing.
Even though I don’t have the exact weight, it’s a heavy cross. It should be right there with the heavy St&L crosses.

Regards,
Alex

[Alex W.]

2

[Nigel N]

Hi Alex!!!
Not seen one like that before!!!
To me, it looks to be a recently made piece??
It could be a new variant fake, that is aimed at the Souval collectors market....
There are many things about it I am not too keen on, including the red ring, which appears to be neither the usual enamel or painted type....
The detail on the wreath look quite soft too, and the reverse dose'nt give me a good feeling either...
There are parts of it that look passable for Souval/S&L, but maybe that's what a faker wants us to think??
I would love to hear other opinions on it....!!!
-Nigel

[pattex]

Hello,
it is a modern fake and you were totaly burned...

best regards
Pattex

[Alex W.]

Hello,
it is a modern fake and you were totaly burned...

best regards
Pattex

No problem, I simply need to return it to the dealer.

Basically Nigel pretty much summed up my impression about this piece.
There are many things that don’t add up and are simply wrong. I’m quite surprised that someone would go through the hassle of creating a new wreath style. As well as a one piece Ek1/disc piece. I’m used to see regular production parts being mixed into fakes, but seeing new parts being created is really interesting.

I thought it would be an interesting idea to take a closer look at this piece, handle it in person and starting a discussion.
Now we know for sure that even exotic pieces like Souval Dk’s in 1957 form are being copied and collectors should be aware.

Regards,
Alex

[Matthieu]

Its a Frankenstein cross ... I think the L/58 marked pin might be good though. Rest for me is crap.

[Alex W.]

Its a Frankenstein cross ... I think the L/58 marked pin might be good though. Rest for me is crap.

Indeed, the L/58 marked pin is about the only Souval part of this cross.

[Matthieu]

Currently for sale with Philipp Militaria for a whopping 220 Euro !!!!

[tgn]

Faking post war Souval medals and badges? Boy, we have come a loooong way.

Tom