AGMuK CCC with Block Hinge

[TobyR]

Hi Everyone,

Another weekend find: an AGMuK ccc in silver, and a worn example at that (notice the underlying plating peeking through on the highpoints). Whilst I believe the clasp to be an original piece, I have been unable to find another example with a block hinge (most seem to have the type of cast-in hinge typically associated with the Schwerin U-Boat Combat Clasps). Has anyone else seen this on an AGMuK clasp?

Thanks for looking.

Best,
Toby.

[TobyR]

Close-up:

[TobyR]

And, here it is, the shot of the reverse:

[TobyR]

Close of the hinge;

[TobyR]

Catch:

[TobyR]

Back-plate and mm:

[Philippe DB]

Hi Toby,


To be honest this is a first one for me too but unlike you I don't like it at all.

It looks very soft overall, the blade and bayonet handle are out of proportion, it's made out of buntmetall, the detailing in the oakleaves is absent and than of course you have the bizar Schwerin like hinge. For me this is a poor casting.


KR
Philippe

[heinrich66]

Hello,

i also believe it is a copy. Please check, if the backplate integral to the clasp.

[TobyR]

Thanks for the comments, Philippe, and Heinrich.

Re. the backplate, it is not integral to the badge and is magnetic. The body of the clasp is not magnetic.

Any other comments?

Best,
Toby.

[TobyR]

For the record it weighs 32.9g.

T.

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Toby,

I too think it is a poor casting of an original clasp. The details are very soft and I don't think it is even a good casting. Check out the lack of details on the eagle. The eagle should be one of the best thing a casting should pick up because it is one of the high points of the CCC. The lettering is also off from originals.

In my experience, all AGMuK hinges are an integral part of the badge, along with the base of the catch. I would not say it is out of the realm of possibility that we may eventually find one with a soldered on hinge, but taken with all the other bad points on this guy, I would run away. Backplate should be magnetic and the clasp should be made of zink. I have yet to come across a good original tombak or brass CCC.

On top of all that, it looks like the clasp, hinge, pin, backplate and even the catch are all made of the same crappy material

Tom D.

[Bruce Simcox]

Hi Toby......

......unfortunately, I have to add my negative comments with those from the other guys about this CCC.

Take a close look at the lower acorns: just there you'll spot casting mistakes. Above the left acorn there is a strange elongated blob that almost obliterates the outer edge of first scallop of the leaf. Concerning the right side acorn you'll spot a circle towards the tip of the first lower vein. These are definitely abnormalities.

Sorry mate, but with the other visible casting pits scattered about, this one says: "not for your collection."

Seek a refund.

-------------------------

Bruce

[TobyR]

Bruce, Tom,

Thanks for replying.

Thankfully, there will not be a problem getting a refund. As to the pitting, etc., in a moment of 'mindless optimism' I was hoping that these errors might be the result of heavy wear and a reaction between the underlying metal and the plating. However, given the unanimous verdict on this, back it shall go.

Thanks again!

All the best,
Toby.

[Bruce Simcox]

Hi Toby......

......just for the record: The clear images that you provided made it very easy to see the mistakes made by the FAKERS, enabling us to get to a pretty rapid, and I feel accurate, determination regarding the authenticity of this clasp.

I hope you get the bugger that laid this one on you.

-------------------------

Bruce

[Don D.]

These photos should be moved to the fake gallery.
Don