Scary HA PAB , Fake or not

[Den]

Hi Guys, Is this a nice frosted original or the same fake that Detlev N. posted a while ago ? if this is a fake then they are getting better by the day.
Kr. Den

[Den]

2

[Den]

Detlev N.

[upbeek]

pab

looks to me like its the same fake
chay

[Frank Heukemes]

My opinion:

Den´s badge: rotten but original
Detlev´s pic: BOTH badges original

[Thomas Durante]

I always wondered about this supposed fake that Detlev showed. I can't really see the difference between the original and the fake. Did Detlev give a reason why he thought this was a fake or does anyone see the differences? I would tend to agree with Frank.

Tom D.

[Greg]

I also could not see from the photos what was wrong with the one Detlev showed as a fake. I don't see any obvious differences that would make the one a fake. Den, I believe that the one you're showing is good. This is one of the documented types of HA silver finish, which often seems to deteriorate like the one you show.

Regards,
Greg

[John G]

Interesting

Hello,

Going strictly by the pictures presented, on the obverse the wheels of the tank look "weaker" on the fake than the original. Also the headlights on the copy seem to be sloppy. There also seems to be a difference on the left side of the badge where the tank meets the wreath. On the rear, I think the hinge looks different; almost looks as if it is Popping off, and of course the pin is sharp on the alleged fake.
All the Aurichs I've owned in the past all had "non-sharp" pins of good quality, but that's a little thin to go on. Manufacturers used an array of pins as the war went on.

I have never handled one of the supposed fakes. Frank, as I respect your opinion greatly, what makes you say Niemanns "copy" is original? Is it that we are comparing apples and oranges (buntmetal vs. zinc). I'm just curious as I'd like to not pass up a legitimate piece!

John

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello to all,

I agree with Frank, Tom D., and Greg. I think that all three Aurichs shown so far are original badges. The first one shown looks beat up and refinished, but it is original in my opinion. Both of the badges shown by Detlev on his repro of the week page look good to me. They show no significant differences other than the finish, and probably the quality of the base metal. Maybe the weights are different, but that doesn't mean one is real and the other fake. I have noticed that Herr Niemann does not usually give good, solid reasons for the conclusions that he makes on the repro of the week page. Usually there is just an ambiguous statement about if you compare the pictures, you will see little differences in the detail. I'm afraid that this type of comparison is just causing much confusion. I can't help but remember the one time I looked on the repro of the week page and saw two L/W Paratrooper Badges marked 'PM'. Both of these badges were fakes, but one was shown as original. Again, how was the conclusion made that two fakes that were exactly the same were somehow different? One being fake, and the other original. Of course, I realize that the ambiguous statements being used when comparing fake to original are probably being made out of a desire to be not too helpful to the forgers. No disrespect meant to Detlev. He strikes me as honest, knowledgeable, and a real asset to this hobby. We as individual collectors, need to educate ourselves in the hobby we enjoy so much. We need to develop our own ability to determine what is good and what is not. With education and experience we should then be confident in our own opinions, and not rely heavily on the opinions of others. This forum is a good thing, but don't let it become a crutch.
Best regards! Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Guys,

Here are five Herman Aurich Panzer Badges, the first three in silver and then two in bronze. I guess they all look a little different, at least as far as color and finish. Please let me know which are original, and which are fakes.
Best regards! Tom
#1 front:

[Tom Yanacek]

#1 reverse:

[Tom Yanacek]

#2 front:

[Tom Yanacek]

#2 reverse:

[Tom Yanacek]

#3 front:

[Tom Yanacek]

#3 reverse: