Veteran's Estate yields another Spanish Cross in Gold & Swords w/Simulants by Godet

[Detlev Niemann]

Good story, nice fake

regards
detlev

[Ludwig]

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If the Bandenkampfabzeichen in Gold mit Brillanten was turned down in this forum, this cross has to be turned down, too!
Look how clumsy the eagles are attached to the cross!

[tinmantis]

Good story, nice fake

regards
detlev

Detlev, you're priceless!
jon

[Matt Starr]

I love it when Detlev gets involved, he's like a stealth authenticator.
Matt

[Bob Hritz]

There have been fakes of the Godet type for years. At least 17 years ago, I paid a tidy sum for a Godet Spanish Cross with Brilliants. Upon it's arrival, I was underwhelmed with the 'quality', expecially the reverse. The letter G in godet was misengraved and redone, the hollow exploded rivits were crude (you would not buy a DK with such crude rivits), and the entire reverse looked like it was a sand casting, with the poor casting disguised by glass beading or sand blasting. The obverse looked great with wonderful hand stippling and fine polish work. The stones were "bottle glass" as described by a retired European jeweler friend. He said that no respectable jeweler would approve such a poor piece of workmanship, for so high an honorable award. Of course, I returned it and it now 'proudly' sits in someone else's collection.

If you will notice the Godet example in Niemann's Volume II, the workmanship and quality of the fittings is far superior. I also like the silver-gilt with diamonds version in Angolia's For Fuhere and Fatherland Volume I.

There is no shortage of stories, but a real shortage of authentic Spanish Crosses with Brilliants!

Bob Hritz

[DonC]

Not to beat a dead or dying horse, but I would be comfortable saying that the case is not original to the award, whether the cross is original or not.

Don

[dkelley]

Thank you!

Thanks to one and all, especially Detlev for his valuable knowledge. I am never humiliated when I solicit the forum for help, but rather humbled how much more I need to learn. Detlev has always had my highest respect and has served as a mentor and example for me for many. many years. Many of you in the forum also have my deep respect, especially a couple of members who have passed on to a better place.

Dan Kelley