PAB 75 - Opinions

[rfleming32]

I have been offered a numbered PAB for 75 engagements and am out of my element here. Can you tell if this is good or bad from the photo's and who the maker might be? This is all I have right now. If there is an area you believe would be definitive proof I will try to get more pictures. Thank you for your thoughts.
Richard

[rfleming32]

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[rfleming32]

It strikes me that the tank is rivited in, does not appear to be damaged but yet the tank does not align with the wreath. I would take this as a very bad sign for an esteemed badge - am I right? Thanks Again.

[Jeff V]

Hi Richard, I don't have a good feeling about this one. The whole thing looks soft. How about some closeups of the sides of catch and hinge. Closeup of rivets, tank, and numberbox. Also the edges of wreath on the reverse. best wishes,
jeff

[rfleming32]

Me either to be honest. Even if it were a good one I am not sure I would want to own it - it is messed up and not a very good example. I don't know these badges well but I know they are faked a lot and faked very well. Looking at the threads I never saw one with the tank out of alignment with the wreath. I have a hard time believing that that would be acceptable. Sometimes you take a chance but more often - when in doubt - throw it out. Then again, if it isn't a Luft badge I am often flying blind. Thanks for looking, I will see about better images but do not like what I see either.

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Richard,

I am with Jeff - I certainly don't have a good feeling about this one. The tank is a huge concern. Slight misalignment is something I do not have a problem with as that is known on originals. In this case though, the tank simply does not fit the wreath - not even remotely. Look how far the barrel sits below the wreath recess! Also, the tank appears to have a ?gold (?tombak) colour bleeding through and there appears to be a large section of detail m,issing from above the number box. The hinge and pin do not give me warm fuzzies either. Imo at best, an original with a cast tank replacement, but more than likely an out-and-out repro.

Regards
Mike

[Frank Heukemes]

Hi Richard,

I am convinced this is a fake. Check e.g. wheels of tank, leaf outlines, "windows" on tank.

[Ludwig]

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I think that better and more detailed fotos are needed. However – it does not look promissing.