The best Kuban fake explained

[Pascal H.]

I thought it would be a good idea to show you how one you can quickly recognize a very well made Kuban fake shield.

I will show you what in my opinion is probably one of the best copies of a Kuban shield. Very difficult to determine if one is fake or not only just from pictures.

Here is the fake I am talking about,

[Pascal H.]

Because this fake is so close to the original which stood model for it sometimes the original is even called a fake.
To me that is a real shame as this is probably one of the nicest types of the Kuban shield.

Here is the original type of shield which stood model for the fake and have a look at the details of the head. The shown shield I managed to acquire together with its award.

[Pascal H.]

Here you have them both together. Almost the same, no?

[Pascal H.]

Now how to recognize this type of shield? Well it took me years to recognize the differences between most of the different type of shields but with this shield it is not that difficult. Beside the detailed eagles head......

[Pascal H.]

......the other very significant characteristic of this shield is the "4".

[Pascal H.]

When comparing the original with the fake in hand you will notice that the fake is not magnetic and the original is. Also at a close-up you will notice the differences between the shields and the lack of detail on the fake.
Take for example the eagle's head........

[Pascal H.]

.....and the "4"

[Pascal H.]

But most of the times you don't have a chance to hold the shield in your hands.
Now what makes me realize within a split second that one is a fake and the other one an original?
Once you know it is of course very easy……

The secret lies within the "A" of Kuban!!!

The original shield has an "A" with a small top. The fake however has a wide top of the "A".
Here you can see it much better.

[Pascal H.]

I hope that this will explain the best fake Kuban shield around and hopefully will prevent you from buying this fake.

Kr
Pascal

[Darrell]

Good stuff Pascal. Well laid out and easy to understand.

[ChrisH]

thank you for this theard

[bytown]

Great thread.

Wayne

[Remick]

Thanks for guide Pascal, nicely explained.

[Bruce Simcox]

Hi Pascal......

......Nicely done! Your analytical dissection should save many collectors from some undeserved grief down the road.

Both the Kuban, and the Krim Shields are my favorites. If I absolutely had to pick between the two...it would be Krim.

I picked up one of the fake Kubans, from the estand bazaar, and as an exercise disassembled it. I posted the images in the fakes gallery.

I totally agree with your assessment that this particular FAKE shield is very dangerous.

[Dennis GT]

Thank you for the posting, very clear and well done.

Dennis