Fake SS Devices

[J C Gray]

I have just recently become aware of a new repro SS 8 year ribbon bar device which was bought as an "honest" reproduction...so no problems there. At first glance, however, these are very convincing and I'm sure that it will only be a matter of time before they start appearing on rebuilt, original bars, so without further ado I am posting some images and information in order to try to prevent any possible stings in the future.
The first thing that I noticed was the high quality for such a small and inexpensive item and that it was not made from a casting; but it is slightly bigger at 10mm, than the original specified diameter of 9mm for such devices. Under magnification it really starts to look modern, not in quality or manufacturing, but in style ie. the oakleaves have that 'flowery' appearance similar to many of the full sized fakes of the SS-Service Awards.

[J C Gray]

Below is shown another original variation of this device which may (or may not) be from a different manufacturer. You will notice that it has slightly less detail on the swastika than the previous device, but still shows that nice 'chiselled' look. This type is usually to be found in stickpin form.

[J C Gray]

As with many Third Reich items, however, the real devil is in the reverse detail. This new fake has an attachment setup totally unlike the originals in that a single 'U' shaped prong is soldered vertically to the reverse in such a way that the fixings protrude from very near the edge, which means that they must be doubled back on themselves towards the centre and then bent at right angles in order to be mounted on a ribbon bar.

[J C Gray]

Another fake SS device that I had to look twice at (normally I can call these from a mile away) is this fake of the SS 12/25 year device. Again, it was under magnification and with the help of my trusty Macro setting that this was revealed to be cast from an original Sigrune device. In the close-up image below, pitting and flashing from the casting process can be clearly seen and as would expected of a casting, it is slightly smaller than the original.
Out of interest, in my ongoing research into the SS-Dienstauszeichnungen, I have also recently discovered (from a period LDO pricelist) that although the bestowal of the 12 & 25 year SS-Service Awards ceased in 1940 thus rendering the 1st. class un-awarded, all four grades were still (theoretically) available for purchase from the LDO by an authorised retailer as late as December 1944 and were to be supplied in either a 'Beutel' or a Grey 'Karton' to suit the buyers finances.
Getting back on track with the ribbon bar devices, the aforementioned pricelist also shows these devices (only the 12 & 25 year are listed) for sale in quantities of 100 either loose or ready mounted. Also listed is an even smaller version of the "Sigrune für SS-Dienstauszeichnung - Silber oder Gold" which is described as being for "Bandrolle und 8mm schleife".

[J C Gray]

P.S. I have not ,as yet, seen or been made aware of any fake SS 4year devices, but this is what they should look like...

[luftkrieg]

J C,

Thank you for the education on these devices. I think threads like this are important especially when the fakes are getting better all the time.

Your originals are beautiful by the way.

Kind regards
Pierce

[J C Gray]

P.S. I have not ,as yet, seen or been made aware of any fake SS 4year devices, but this is what they should look like...

Come to think of it I'm not too sure about this one...

[Chris Taylor]

Very nice thread JC.

Great to see 2 original ribbon bar versions, along with this new fake.

Here is yet another original variation from my collection. I had a devil of a time getting a good close up shot, so please bear with me. I may try again in natural light tomorrow to see if I can get a more detailed shot.

I believe these did vary a little from maker to maker, just as many devices did. For example, I know I personally have 4 variations of Customs eagles alone.

Unfortunately, the scarcity of SS devices in general indicates to me that we will most likely never get to see them all.

[Peppe864]

Thank you for posting this very interesting thread!

A well needed one.

[J C Gray]

Here are some more fakes of the Runic device which, although extremely crude, still manage to fool some collectors.

Below left is quite a common one which is instantly recognizable by the lower downstroke of the right hand rune which bends outwards.
Below right is a newer version which has a very rounded appearance overall.

[J C Gray]

This one is by far the most commonly seen fake of the Runic device and bears very little resemblance to the real thing. The reason I am posting it is because, quite often it can be found in a filed-down state which gives it a slightly more authentic appearance, such as the one shown below right which, incidently, has been stitched onto the ribbon in the fashion of the famous alleged Himmler ribbon bar.

[J C Gray]

Probably the least said about this one the better...apart from, I have seen this version for sale as original on quite a few dealers sites in recent years.

[magnusmilitaria]

thanks to show us!
Regards
Mark

[all1knew]

Hello there,

how do these look?

William Kramer

[J C Gray]

Yet another type of crude fake William' I'll add this one to the gallery.