Heer Fallschirmschuetzenabzeichen - Verdict?

[Luft62]

A friend of mine has come across the below pictured badge. It is made from aluminium and would appear to match up measurement wise to the "2nd Pattern" aluminium Heer Fallschirmschuetzenabzeichen as described in one of the excellent topics posted previously regarding this very rare badge.

I know that good quality fakes exist in aluminium of this badge but owing to its rarity I thought a another opinion or two would be worthwile before discounting it as a fake based solely on my opinion.
I did not like the "smoothness" of the profile of the wreath, apparant lack of detail on the eagle (could be the scan!) and the hinge - too narrow.
The overall dimensions are 55mm x 42.3mm.

Regards,
Tim



[ 14 October 2001: Message edited by: Luft62 ]

[Eric Queen]

I have seen a number of these lately. Beyond slight differences in the catch, pin, detailing, etc., the obvious mistake being made on these is the lack of the flat plate or "beard" beneath the beak of the Wehrmachtadler. This is a characteristic which existed on all second model badges in aluminum produced by Juncker.

Just my opinion.

EQ

[Warren O]

Let's see if I've learned anything about these badges in the last few weeks.Please correct me if I'm wrong.
The tie at the base of the wreath is not off center as it should be on a 2nd pattern.
The reverse of the wreath does not match 2nd pattern at all as far as the little indentations, this one is to smooth along the edges.
The head and neck of the diving eagle look to thick or wide. The feet look to heavy and the feathers flying behind the eagles feet are not long enough, to blunt.
Am I getting close are do I need to study more?
Warren

[Prosper Keating]

Warren's critique is on-target. You have been studying the photographs! And as Eric says, it's missing the 'beard' under the Wehrmachtadler's beak. Not at all like a Juncker-made 2nd pattern aluminium APB. Not even close. But it's wellmade in itself and, like most neatly-executed fakes, it could easily fool someone who hasn't had the benefit of access to known originals or good photographs of known originals.

Prosper Keating