Fake Karneth GAB

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

As far as badges goes, this is probably the best fake on the market today. I ran across this one on a dealers site, along with a fake L/61 marked packet.

Its a copy of the early, unmarked Karneth GABs and is a very good attempt with believable look to the base metal, finish and even the reverse hardware setup is well done. I have seen these at the US shows and they are often found with believable wear on them making them very convincing. But holding it for a few minutes you can feel a little something different compared with originals and as you look closer at the details, hinge, pin and catch you start to see a number of differences that let you know this is not original.

Tom

[herrgeezer]

Thanks for the information and exposing this fake. I wonder if this faker is also doing the 25 and 50 numbered badges by this wartime manufacturer?

[Jelle M.]

Hi Tom,

thanks for the heads up.
Indeed a well made fake. I must say that the details look a bit faint but it is a very good casting. The only thing on the obverse that is not well executed are the lines on the bajonet handle. They go halfway and than dissapear, a part that got badly casted.
That can happen too on original badges, caused by wear. If that's the case you see the tombak basemetal. On this badge that's not the case. A red flag.
Original Karneth gab's are know for their smooth reverse. There is almost no detail and the relief is very flat. On the fake you post the details are more outspoken, another red flag. In attachement the reverse of two of my early Karneth GAB's. Also the hinge is not an exact match. The other pic are the perfect lines you expect to see on an original.
All in all a dangerous fake and worth posting here!

[vittmann]

hello

excellent discussion of the topic, thanks Jelle!

[Wim Vangossum]

Buying collectibles based on internet pictures has again become a bit more dangerous.



Regards, Wim

[Nicola.M]

Really thanks Tom for sharing this dangerous fake GAB

Another red flag to check is this die on the granade.


All the best
Nicola

[Stepdale]

Thanks for posting this, it is a very dangerous fake.
Dale

[Chet Sowersby]

Tom,
I could see this being accepted in less than ideal lighting conditions.

Nicola,
Thanks for the heads up on that flaw.

Chet

[Medals45]

When I am looking at these badges, I look at the grenade to see if the top has a angled slope to the top. The fakes are usually straight. These hollow GAB's always require caution when thinking of purchasing.

John

[Thomas Durante]

When I am looking at these badges, I look at the grenade to see if the top has a angled slope to the top. The fakes are usually straight. These hollow GAB's always require caution when thinking of purchasing.

John

Hi guys,

John, you are exactly right the flat head to the grenade is a big red flag that is unlike originals. Along with the die flaw that Nicolai shows in his post #5 are the two quickest way to spot this very good fake. Here is another one I had on file.

Stay on your toes out there gents!

Tom