WWI IRON CROSS + EK1 SPANGE set with NIEMANN's COA

[Adrian]

Does the number on the sticker correspond to anything?
Is there a record that Detlev keeps perhaps that could be cross referenced so that you could find out what that number was originally issued on a COA to?

[gregM]

Isn't Detlev still a member here? Perhaps he might respooond to a
PM concerning this COA.

just a thought

[Sniper 1987]

Unfortunately, another alternative is that the item was sold by Herr Niemann as an original and the COA is not faked. I know he is a respected authority in militaria circles, but he is not infallible.

Case in point: until recently, I was the proud owner of a Sniper Badge with a Niemann COA, but after the badge was universally blasted as a fake on this forum, it went back to the U.S. dealer for a credit.

The controversial question then is, how much is a Niemann COA truly worth? Just some thoughts.

Matt

[hlynur76]

Do we (our forum members) have a picture of a known orginal examples of these EK1 + spange to compair with?


Edit: (after Jon replay)
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...1+Spange+Combo
Here is a good thread for us rookies in WAF about these EK1 combs. Check out Robert post #14

[tinmantis]

yes, if you do a search you'll find them

and remember guys
All COA's mean is that you can get your money back (hopefully) they are not ironclad guarrentees of authenticity, no matter who signs them
regards
jon

[John T]

Original examples of these combos, factory and jeweler done surely existed and are of course faked, including the "hinged" style mentioned earlier being one that I have only seen in fake form. I have been after a factory version for some time. The photographed piece is I agree not any good.

J

[Dietrich Maerz]

Since Mr. Niemann was online this morning at 3:30 I assume he saw the thread and will - after checking his database - tell us something about the COA.

Dietrich

[Marc Garlasco]

I am SO HAPPY my boss doesn't know Dietrich or else he would know I LIVE on the WAF!!! (When it works)

[Military]

the poor soldering is a tell tale sign of a fake. these awards we all know had good workmanship and sloopy details was not what they had during the reich....

[Tiger 1]

the poor soldering is a tell tale sign of a fake. these awards we all know had good workmanship and sloopy details was not what they had during the reich....

It would also help a great deal is the Iron Cross and spange were genuine.

Tony

[Dietrich Maerz]

I am SO HAPPY my boss doesn't know Dietrich or else he would know I LIVE on the WAF!!! (When it works)

I will share a little secret with you: everybody can see what I posted, meaning the activity. You just need to - let's use Mr. Niemann again - go to his profile (which you find easily by typing his name into the advanced search) and you see the last activity!
In Niemann's case again today at 7:33 our time. So he knows and he doesn't want to comment. Which is perfectly ok. However, It would have been interesting. Not whether he made a possible mistake or not (others have decided that already), but rather to know whether the COA is real or a fake. If the hologram-ones can be faked it is a bad thing!

So, don't tell your boss this little trick! I certainly will not!

Dietrich

[pep]

niemann e-mailed yesterday.
today the award and the COA ships back for inspection and refund.

[ben bijker]

Be glad you get a refund, that's at least something....

Not much to re-consider though....

[streptile]

Are not the fake COA's so close to the real in detail they deceive?

I think the "new-style" holographic sticker was developed as a safeguard against faked COAs. If this sticker is now also being faked it'd be good to know. But I guess this one's not a fake (if it's been accepted as a return). Interesting.

Probably no one can stay on top of every fake in the marketplace, and this system of numbered COAs that guarantee authenticity against a return of the purchase price must surely be the best way for a dealer to conduct business in this environment.

Please update us, pep, on this issue.

~TR

[John T]

Here is one that I was evaluating and had in hand today. The reverse fittings are different but it is the same copy....you would not believe how horrible the piece is in hand.


J