JFS destroyer badge

[Woytas]

Hello.
Today I would like to buy that one but don't know for sure is it an original piece.The badge itself and maker's mark looks fine to me and I would give 80 % chance that this is an original one but.. would like to be sure like always : )

[Woytas]

front of the badge

[Woytas]

reverse (pin and maker's mark as you can see)

[Woytas]

another shot of the reverse

[Woytas]

any opinions?

[JustinG]

A straight on front shot would be nice.
I believe this to be a good badge. Something about the back coloring though bothers me. The badge appears to be zinc but the back "golden rod" color sort of has me wondering if this was a reconditioned or re-paint? Maybe just how the pictures were processed/developed?
Comparing with the two examples in the Manufacturers of the Kriegsmarine I would think that this one is good IMHO.

Regards,
JustinG

[Norm F]

As the other relative neophyte here I also have concerns (Sorry to group you with me Justin!).

Base metal looks too dark even for zinc, shape of pin is square instead of round, the round hinge is missing the circular base ring, and the top hook has a pointy end instead of blunt.
The pointy-ended top hook looks like the one in the repro discussed here:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...92&postcount=6
For the proper look of the pin and the hinge see:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...09&postcount=2

I vote repro.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Woytas]

Thank you guys very much.So I won't buy that piece if there are any doubts(firstly looks good but I might be wrong also : ( )
Regards,
Wojciech.

[Steve P]

As the other relative neophyte here I also have concerns (Sorry to group you with me Justin!).

Base metal looks too dark even for zinc, shape of pin is square instead of round, the round hinge is missing the circular base ring, and the top hook has a pointy end instead of blunt.
The pointy-ended top hook looks like the one in the repro discussed here:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...92&postcount=6
For the proper look of the pin and the hinge see:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...09&postcount=2

I vote repro.

Best regards,
---Norm

I agree with Norm here...

[Martin W]

Norm is spot on with his assessment of this badge and IMO it is a Fake JFS.
The ball hinge is incorrect as well as the points mentioned above.

Regards,Martin.

[John R.]

Agree with Norm. Fake badge for all the reasons already stated.

Strongly recommend that when one posts on badge authenticity, that you compare it carefully to accepted examples.

I do this all the time against my database of badges and do a side by side comparison of hinge, mark, and catch--if there is a retaining hook, even better since this is an important clue to study.

In fact, I have to resist the impulse to make a quick call without pulling up my database. I certainly do not have all of these badges memorized not that it would help me I think. I can only count a couple collectors in my experience that have the ability to do this due to memory characteristics that I do not possess. Jeff V is one of them although he does not post that often anymore and even he would admit to the possibility of making mistakes with the more esoteric badges of the LW and Heer without careful study.

Some original badges are borderline and a decision can't be made but even then, if that original badge is so banged up, refinished, or repaired, do you want it in your collection when other examples that match original badges perfectly are available?

I recommend the side by side comparisons before you make a call--some fakes are pretty good and quick calls can get you into trouble.

We have two new books coming out late this year on KM badges. This will be quite helpful I think to most collectors of these badges since now we will have all of the main KM badges subdivided by makers available to you without the need of a large database in your computer or search of this forum.

I look forward to these books as I think it will save collectors a lot of time and money in the future.

John