Eastern Front Medal - authentication help please

[rynegold]

I have a new award. It came w/the packet and ribbon but I'm wondering if indeed it's genuine. Can some of you that know this award have a look and tell me what you think. The brown paper wrapper and ribbon were inside the blue packet when I got it.

Regards, mitch

DSC00522 by rynegold, on Flickr


DSC00523 by rynegold, on Flickr

DSC00527 by rynegold, on Flickr

DSC00528 by rynegold, on Flickr

DSC00525 by rynegold, on Flickr

DSC00520 by rynegold, on Flickr

DSC00521 by rynegold, on Flickr

[Jean-Claude]

Hi Mitch,

I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable will step in to comment on the medal and packaging
but IMO, the ribbon doesnt look original based on the "straight" edges. I attached an original ribbon to compare

Regards

JC

[tompress]

Never seen a bag like this... For me it looks unconvincing

[Sevrin]

Hi Mitch,

I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable will step in to comment on the medal and packaging
but IMO, the ribbon doesnt look original based on the "straight" edges. I attached an original ribbon to compare

Regards

JC

+1 Doesn't seem to have the pronounced looped edge.

[Rommel1942]

The medal looks good IMO; i'm not a medal collector but i have owned many ost medals before and it looks OK.

I haven't seen an award packet like that one before. I wouldn't write it off though, it could stand a chance of being original.

I can't speak for the ribbon.

Best,
Finn

[Stepdale]

Here's an extensive thread on this type of bag - http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=ost. It's generally thought to be a reproduction though not all agree. I agree that the ribbon looks like a repro; not sure on the medal though it's not one of the cruder reproductions out there.
Dale

[Sveimhugi]

Hi Mitch

This has always been a very difficult subject and were you meet you limits IMO.
I only know about Ostmedaillen, cant comment on the blue EK spangen pouches ect.

I dont own this type of pouch that you have, I got the blue Frank & Reif Ostmedaille pouch and medaille.

I like the material and feel (even smell) of my blue pouch and like the material of yours also. I dont like the printing on your pouch though and not the font either.
IMO (like with my F&R pouch) is the pouch is original but printing added later.

My F&R Ostmedaille that came with my pouch is IMO a very good casting.
I would think yours is it also, but its very hard to say when you dont hold it in your hands. The material of the "bandring" looks wrong for starters, it should be made of iron. The medaille looks "flat" and lacks detail, but its also not in the best condition, so its a little hard to say.

The grenade on the reverse is very long, and combined with the broad rim its hard to find a design match. Nothing comes right up in my mind atm at least.

Are the edges around the helmet and rim even ?
Have you measured and weight it ?

The linked thread from Stepdale is excellent indeed!