High Seas Fleet & Aux. Cruiser Badges

[jwburchell]

Here are two sets of KM badges which I have in my collection. I would appreciate it if members would to tell me if they are genuine or not.

Regarding the HSF "Schwerin" badges, I believe that three are correct. One came to me directly from the vet himself (ie. the German vet). The fourth is, I think, a fake, but I would like some corroboration, please. [NOTE: The fourth pictured badge is now confirmed as a "Cave Creek special" from "Pieces of History" owner, Lowell Jackson, of Arizona.]

Regarding the two Auxiliary Cruiser "Juncker-type" badges, I also believe both of these to be correct. Please let me know your thoughts, one way or the other.

Thanks,
John

[jwburchell]

HSF reverse views:

[jwburchell]

A/C front views:

[jwburchell]

Reverse view:

[jwburchell]

Close-up of the 4th HSF, which is suspect, in my opinion.

[jwburchell]

Reverse view of the 4th HSF badge:

[jwburchell]

Close-up of one of the other 3 HSF badges (all of which are the same):

[jwburchell]

Reverse of above badge, which I think is a good one:

[Mike Kenny]

Hi John,

I'd agree with your thoughts. 3 genuine Schwerin HSF badges and two genuine unmarked Juncker AuxCr Badges. Thye all look like very nice examples.

The HSF you think is a fake IS, imo, a fake. The dark grey finish on the reverse of it is an improvement though. Was it a recent acquisition?

Regards
Mike K

[jwburchell]

Hello Mike:

Thanks very much for your response and comments. The fake HSF was a "MAX" acquisition 5 or 6 years ago, before I was a member of this Forum!

The first HSF in the row came directly from an ex-KM officer while I lived in Germany during the '70s - along with all of his other medals, badges and award documents. He earned his HSF as a "Kadet" on the "Scharnhorst" and then went into the U-Bootwaffe, serving on three different subs and survived the war! Still living and retired in Bavaria.

Cheers!
John

[Darrell]

I agree with Mike. Ugly block hinge and pin as well as plenty wrong with the features of that HSF

Nice set of original ones though

[Thomas Durante]

Hi John,

I agree, the 4th HSF is a reproduction. All others are originals, in great condition .

Tom D.

[skip]

Also agree, last one is a copy. I******180;ve seen them before, but like Mike observed, thats the first I******180;ve seen with such a believable grey reverse finish.
Suprised we have******180;nt seen more of those.

Skip

[Stephane]

John had a table at the Ottawa show today and I had the chance to handle the repro HSF. Quite convincing. I founded it a little heavier than the original ones. The lettering on the maker's mark is also too even. All in all a nasty little fake.

[jwburchell]

Thanks, guys. Your responses are appreciated. I'll post this one in the fake badges forum.
Regards,
John