Fake vs. Original L/53 Minesweeper

[Graeme]

Hi Guys

I would like your opinions on this badge please.

Generally on first appearance it all looks pretty good to me. The wear looks realistic, and the recesses for hinge and catch are a good sign for this maker.

I have never seen an unmarked L/53 minesweeper and never a marked example without a block hinge. Mine has a sheet metal folded style hinge.

lastly when viewed using an eye glass some areas on the edge of the wreath look to have "small indentations" but maybe these are acceptable and not signs of casting?

Please post any similar badges if you have them.

all comments welcome
regards
Graeme

[Graeme]

reverse

[Graeme]

hinge

[Graeme]

catch

[Graeme]

Close up of eagle

[Graeme]

waves

[MH184]

You've a double headed eagle

I like it mate, it looks convincing to me, I see where you are coming from on the Hymmen thoughts, it has that typical roughness, finish and 'look'.

Lets see what the experts think !

[RICK S]

Minesweeper

HI.

Not a typical design. Swatz week, frail wreath, however I don't rule it out.
I just have not seen other like it.

Rick Schmid

[MH184]

Here you go Rick

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=161860


Different metal and finish but attributes are the same, the hinge and catch set up could be due to Graeme's is perhaps a latter version perhaps ?????

[greg.hays]

I like it Graeme, I mean it is definitely the Hymmen design.........about as fugly as they come . Hardware is online with other badges from Hymmen wouldn't you say?

[entasis]

similar

I have 2 of these L53 (marked) but with a different reverse setup. That being said I've seen these with a similar setup as this one. I believe yours is acceptable as a period made piece. I'll attach some pictures of others sharing some of these traits (but not identical). Also note the 9 waves can be easily counted as in all others. Atypically, yours appears to have a golden reverse coloration (but observed in others as shown below) and usually they are silver colored on the reverse.

First up from Detlev a marked one dating from July 2006.

[entasis]

another

Below is another one from member 'Raymond' posted on the site around February 2004; which has a similar catch as the first one posted. (I'll remove if there's any objection by the badge's owner).

Tony

[entasis]

unmarked

For you an unmarked one with the more common reverse setup, member 'John T' of GermanWarBooty.com, posted one on the site on Feb 2004 (I'll remove pic is there's any objection by the owner).

Tony

[skip]

I still like it Graeme.

Skip

[Graeme]

Thanks for all the input guys.

And Tony, I appreciate all the extra pics. I will spend more time looking at them after work.

best regards
Graeme