Thoughts on SS I.D. disks?

[Sarge125]

Hi folks:

I have been lurking for a while, and I'm impressed with the sharing of knowledge that goes on here. Thank you.

I have an interest in aquiring an SS Erkennungsmarke, and I've been offered a few different ones. May I ask the opinion of folks here as to authenticity?

I appreciate any feedback you guys can provide.

Thanks,
Tom

[Matt L]

Hi Tom,

Unfortunately, steel discs like this one can be some of the most difficult to evaluate as they don't wear or age the way aluminum and zinc discs do- they can look pretty much the same if they're worn for years, not issued at all or are fakes. We're really only left with the text and lettering, and I, myself, cannot point out any problems with either. The unit existed, it's correctly written and the 'font' isn't a type I recognize as fake. The only issue is that the marking is that of a field unit, not an Ersatz unit as would be most often encountered. Often this is the indicator a disc is fake, however, it is a fact that if a soldier lost his disc somehow, his units did not just replicate the old, but issued him one marked with that unit's information. So it is possible that this is such a replacement- the very low Stammrollennummer (serial number) fits this possibility as well.

Usually, given the extent to which SS discs are faked, I'd pass on one if there wasn't anything truly positive to say about it- to my mind they need to be proven to be real as opposed to being proven to be fake. Overall I see no obvious problems with this one, but there's nothing about it that definitely says 'authentic' either. Perhaps someone else has seen the type before and can give you more information.

Matt

[mr.dogtag]

I think Matt is right. The tag looks pretty ok, but I would also skip unless it came in grouping or from a vet as the typeface is very simple and contemporary and tag is made of nirosta.
All best
Al