Prinzen Spange for opinions

[streptile]

Hi,

I have this Spange in my collection, and I would really appreciate any opinions about maker and authenticity. One thing I've learned here is that Spangen are difficult... a lot of things I thought were real, are not; things I felt sure were fakes, are perfectly authentic. So ... what do you think of this one?

One prong is missing. The other is rather crudely cut off at the tip. There are no maker marks. The Spange is 24.5mm tall and 24.5mm across the wingspan, tip-to-tip. The wreath has a diameter of ~11mm.

I tried taking photos in daylight as is always suggested, but I think my camera didn't like it much. The Spange is not blue, but rather silver-color.





If more photos are needed for a conclusive determination, I can post some this evening.

Thanks in advance.

Trevor

[Robert P.]

Trevor,

I think this spange is a copy. The detailing is soft, especially on the wreath. It looks alot like a Deumer. Here's mine for comparison...

[streptile]

Hi Robert.

Thanks for your opinion. I, too, believe this one to be a copy. Specifically, I think it is a direct cast of a Deumer original. I say this as I happen to have one, seen here.

I didn't say as much in my first post because I didn't want to prejudice it. I also thought that maybe with die deterioration, this one might have had a chance. But I don't think so.

If anyone disagrees, please let me know. Concurring opinions are welcome, too.

Thanks,
Trevor

[Robert P.]

If cast you would think it would have picked up some of the veins in the chest feathers, as your and my originals have.

[streptile]

So you think just a new (fake) die was made?

[Robert P.]

So you think just a new (fake) die was made?

I really don't know. It has to be one of two things: either it's a new (fake) die of a Deumer Prinzen, or it's a cast copy of an earlier Deumer without chest veins. Purely my own thinking, Trevor.

[streptile]

For whatever it's worth, I bought this in 2000. So it's not that new, whatever it is. There may be more around... anyone?

Jon, do you agree this one is bad?

[tinmantis]

Hi
yeah, I kinda agree with Robert. Probably a cast of a Deumer, the softness and prongs seem to give it away. I'd be more than happy to have a look 'in hand' though, before it's given the final
you have it 'in hand', what do you think?
regards
jon