Opinions on TDB

[Tim Curley]

Silver TDB

Gerd,

I can understand the dilemma you are expressing in regards to determining the originality of TDBs. It is something we often face with other badges as well.

In the end, we research as best we can, then make a decision concerning each badge we purchase. Sometimes we are wrong, and that certainly includes me.
If you are happy with variations, that is your decision.

As to TDBs in particular, I have decided Tom Breyette has done extensive research in this area and I will go with his findings when I have to examine a TDB and make a decision on originality. Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to meet with Tom several times and to talk numerous times on the phone. He is a straight shooter who has done the research on this badge. If I miss out on some variations, I can live with that.

[CSP]

count the number of track guide teeth between the rear-most return roller and the large tread return sprocket. I do not know if this is hard and fast, but it never seems to fail in an overall call on a TDB. In any case, I use this as a standard check of authenticity:

If there are only 4 teeth visible = consider that it is likely repro/fake

If there are 5 visible = you can start feeling better about the piece

if the former - the tank under examination is usually oversized as well and = second point of mistrust of the piece

It is possible that a fake tank device can be added to a perfectly good background - but I would think in these instances, there would be signs of tampering/something missing (like the reverse cloth backing).

[Tim Curley]

NEW TDB FAKE

Last month I received a Gold TDB, sold as a "1957 version," out of England. I sent this along with some other items for Tom Breyette to examine. To my surprise, he informed me this is the NEW fake reportedly out of Hungary, being retailed out of England. He had just received the Silver version to look over from another collector.

Good news! This latest attempt should not fool anyone who has done his homework. While the tank is metal (magnetic), it lacks detail in the drive and return wheels as well as the turret. The brocade is better in that it is flexiblle on the ends like the originals but it is too bright. The field-grey wool backing is an improvement over the Austrian fakes.