West wall medal fake?

[Clem]

Hello,

I purchased this medal many years ago and I am pretty sure the ribbon is fake (=strange loop on the edge + ''electrical blue'' at UV light). Now I think the medal is also not good, it seems to be die casting and at some place can see the metal under the plating.

What do you think 100% fake? Or only the ribbon?




Thank you

[Zirnhelt]

Hello , not an expert on these but if the ribbon is glowimg then its not a good sign. The late war westwall medals were made of zinc with a brass plating . It looks like the finish is worn off. Hope this helps. Vince

[Guy smith]

It's not uncommon for these medals to have fake ribbons,as a bunch was found without ribbons,I heard. I need better pictures to be sure but it looks ok. If you haven't bough it I would hold out for a nicer tombeck version.

[Ian Hulley]

Hi Clem, sadly the ribbon is 100% fake.

Here are examples of the early (left) and later issue ribbons … note the weft thread loops at the edges. As Guy says many sets of these were found minus their ribbons, these are usually the 1944 re-issue zinc examples by Poellath.

I attach shots of mint early and late medals for comparison. Personally I feel yours is a fake but you have it in hand to compare.

Cheers, Ian.