Blockade runner badge fake?

[rafaelega]

In my oppinion these are two fakes. Let me know your oppinion please...

Fist badge:





Second badge:

[Mike Kenny]

Possibly fakes however, there are some features which point to them maybe being genuine but poor condition ground/water finds. I actually lean towards the latter without some side shots and maybe some dimansions. The first example at least appears to have the correct catch/catchplate, bubbling over a zinc basemetal and double striking of the portholes.

Regards
Mike

[Martin W]

Hi Mike,

these images were posted on another forum and my impression was that they were fakes.

I based my opinion on the poor detail and the fact that the base metal appeared to be of a brass/copper colour.

It may be the lighting or some kind of warm light reflection but it is visible on the worn highlights of the eagles,especially on the wing of the first badge?

Also the bright silver finish on the badges is not what i would expect to see on a zinc Schwerin BB award.

Again,maybe the lighting or a possible repaint?



Regards,Martin.

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Martin,

I am not saying they are definitely genuine.

I can see a grey basemetal in places and the rough, irregularly sized pitting (and ?polishing) is not inconsistent with other "ground find" pieces, nor is the loss of detail in places. I can see the copper colour you mention - is that a coating under a silver coloured plating though?

The catch/catchplate look correct, which is the first area fakers normally screw up on. THe catch even looks like tombak, which is not unususal for Schwerin zincers.

I would not write them off so quickly in this case - but I wouldn't rush out and buy them as genuine either!

Maybe the owner can indicate how he came by them?

Regards
Mike