Silver U-Boat frontspange: Is it real?

[vonStubben]

Here is a closer (but perhaps not better) picture of the zinc lying beneath the silver plating of this badge. This badge corresponds favorably to the front clasp pictured in Tuckers book (page 288/89), " German Combat Badges of the Third Reich" volume 1 "Heer and Kriegsmarine". This does not mean that the badge pictured in his book is authentic but they do appear the same to me.

[John R.]

Here is Jody's front image. Chris, do you still feel the same? Jody's example does not look like DN's either, but, DN's is a worn badge (I do not mean that it was worn by anybody though, no way to tell, I just mean condition) while Jody's is mint in condition.

[John R.]

Here is a closer (but perhaps not better) picture of the zinc lying beneath the silver plating of this badge. This badge corresponds favorably to the front clasp pictured in Tuckers book (page 288/89), " German Combat Badges of the Third Reich" volume 1 "Heer and Kriegsmarine". This does not mean that the badge pictured in his book is authentic but they do appear the same to me.

The badge in Tucker's book is authenic IMO. John

[Nordmark]

I like the broken bubbles on the front. Might be a good original.



Daniel

[DaveNZ]

I like the broken bubbles on the front. Might be a good original.



Daniel

I got an IAB once that had the bubbling effect on the zinc going on and back then i thought that that was a good sign it was an original IAB.

However when I posted pictures here at WAF it got a universal

so not always a good indicator of originality from my experience.

[ChrisH]

Chris, do you still feel the same?

Yes John Robinson, iam not change my mind
here is one and the same clasp in german auction (under copies !! ) for only 50.-
again the faded lettering , little Zink pest (aging ), needle block and,and too

http://www.militaria321.com/auktion/...ange-in-Silber

[Lubo]

I believe the clasp that started the thread to be a fake, the bubbles I like, but the catch nest and the hinge are not good, also the detail on the acorns and partially the swords handles are not good
Here are some more bubbles but this time original

[John R.]

To be clear, the one posted by Chris is not one and the same as the one that started this thread. It is similar as are many of the fakes of this badge coming out of Germany these days.

In the case of the one in Militaria321 it is an obvious fake due to the many problems with the casting. In the case of the one that started this thread, the differences are not quite as obvious.

My point since the item is being considered for purchase by the original poster is that this is not a badge that I would buy for a collection.

The pin/hinge fitting to me is terrible and there is no explaning it away. There is some bubbling, but bubbling is faked quite commonly now. Militaria321 is a decent place to find original examples by the way.

John

[mrg]

Hi guys have to say I dont like this one reverse looks cast, mm is wrong, along with the hinge, there are other diffences. I believe this is a good quality fake made harder to detect by wear, which is very easily achieved. Bubbling as John has already said is also easily to promote. The complete circle of a burst bubble would also be a worring sign for me, in fact it looks raised up or is that just the picture?. I personally would not buy it but that is just my opinion. All the best

[ChrisH]

To be clear, the one posted by Chris is not one and the same as the one that started this thread. It is similar as are many of the fakes of this badge coming out of Germany these days.

o.k. not the same badge , but the one is fake and the other is fake
thats only my mind
( i must hard work for good money , and buy not "maybe,maybe good/bad" stuff )

happy christmas
Chris

[Steve P]

To be clear, the one posted by Chris is not one and the same as the one that started this thread. It is similar as are many of the fakes of this badge coming out of Germany these days.

o.k. not the same badge , but the one is fake and the other is fake
thats only my mind
( i must hard work for good money , and buy not "maybe,maybe good/bad" stuff )

happy christmas
Chris

Sensible advice I think Chris!

[vonStubben]

Just to give you all a time line on this badge. It was purchased in the 70's as the old fellow who owns it stopped collecting medals and badges then and went on into flags, banners, and pennants.

[George Stimson]

Here's another one to look at.

[George Stimson]

The reverse.

[rhudspith]

Don't think this is one I would buy but getting worrying if fakes are getting this good. Don't like the reverse finish or lettering. Also the pin does not look quite right. I always look for the he buldge/wide part of the pin to be slightly left of centre of the middle of the badge.

The pin as shown reminds me of previous well known fakes