IAB Silver

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

I think the attached zinc alloy Silver IAB is ok, just wanting to make sure. There is some rubbing/wear on the bayonet and wreath tie, making it look at bit strange. There are surface spots on the reverse (not pitting). It is die clearly struck in hard with no indications of casting. Any issues, please advise.

Thanks & Regards
Mike

[Graeme]

Hi Mike

I have always thought these to be fakes. Several cropped up a while back.

They all seem to have the same wear on the bayonet and berries, plus what appears to be same or similar hand finished areas on the reverse.

Check out the following in the fakes area, and there may be more in there.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=102018

regards
Graeme

[Mike Kenny]

Thanks for the heads up Graeme, much appreciated.

Regards
Mike

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Mike,

I also consider these fakes. I believe they are referred to as the "melting fakes" due to the droopy obverse design.

The rough edges of the reverse and the way the base metal & finish look are similar to the fake AWS PABs, aka "the cutter fakes".

Tom