sloppy made ribbon bars - original or not?

[Valter Gorenc]

Recently I observed on sale several ribbon bars that seem quite sloppy made for me, definitely comparing to decorations standard.

http://cgi.ebay.de/Ordensspange-Feld...QQcmdZViewItem

on this example you can see the right side (on the left side of the pic) long service ribbon partially overlaping hindenburgs, and KVKX is a bit higher than other ribbons... Such imperfectnesses can be seen on ribbon bars on sale at reputable dealers too, so I wonder if these are original or post-war put-togethers?

The bars were made by tailors and often for private purcase, so the control was perhaps less strict, but would a perfectionist german officereven consider buying such unevenly made bar?

Thanks in advance for your opinions, Valter

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

I think the fact that the fastening prongs on the rear being broken says it all. There would be no reason for anyone to pry them apart, and then re-fasten them other than replacing/adding a ribbon/device that wasn't originally there, resulting in breakage.

[Gerd Becker]

Well, it has a chance to be original, but personally i don´t like it. This is not a combination, which you won´t find again, so i would pass on it and wait for nicer definately original one.

best,
Gerd

[Valter Gorenc]

Steven, Gerd,

thank you for your opinions! I can only agree about the broken prongs, although I don't see a reason for adding these swords, as the KVK and Hindenburgs with swords are more common than without - adding these X can't add any value or rarity to the bar, maybe quite the opposite

Also, all the four ribbons are so common I can't imagine which one could be replaced and what would be "more common" to be removed and "upgraded" with these ribbons now on a bar...
But it's more likely the single ribbons were removed from 2 bars and added to empty 4-place bar, that would be an "improvment" which could add a few bucks

Anyway, I'm still wondering what you think abou the sloppily placed ribbons itself (I mean inperfections on obverse, let's forget the broken prongs on the reverse).

Cheers, Valter

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Anyway, I'm still wondering what you think abou the sloppily placed ribbons itself (I mean inperfections on obverse, let's forget the broken prongs on the reverse).

To me, the sloppily placed ribbons and broken prongs are not two seperate issues. The fact that the prongs are broken in fact explains the placement/condition of the ribbon(s). To answer your question more directly-this is not something you would expect to see on a nice original untouched bar. It may be original, but it certainly is not untouched. Forget about it and look for another one.

[JBFloyd]

You you buy this to wear on your uniform? If a manufacturer offered this to me as an item for uniform wear, I'd walk out of his shop.

[Valter Gorenc]

Steven, Jeff, thanks for your opinions, i totally agree with both! I won't buy this one, i was already very skeptic about it and i certainly won't put it on uniform! Maybe for carneval

Cheers, Valter

[landsknechte]

People are faking Iron Cross / Hindenburg Cross ribbon bars these days, so don't let concerns of economic logic factor too much into your evaluations.

--Chris

[torstenbel]

IMO, this bar looks unworn and newly made.....Cheers, Torsten.