U-Boat Combat Clasp in Silver

[Bobki52]

Last photograph.

[Bobki52]

U-Boat Combat Clasp in Silver

Second set of photographs.

[Bobki52]

U-Boat Combat Clasp in Silver

When I first got this clasp in hand,I didn't necessarily like it. The pin is loose and I didn't like the look of the hinge. But it seems to match up pretty well with Art #02791 in Carsten Baldes database of Originals. The pin is magnetic and the clasp weighs 18.3 oz. What do you think?

[romulada]

Hi, its a fake - I think.

[romulada]

comparison

Hi, try to compare with original and will see many bad details.

[Bobki52]

High-res photographs

Thanks romulada. Do you have any high-res photographs of a known good clasp that I can use for comparison. I have already downloaded the photographs from previous WAF threads on the subject. While there a few good pics, I would love more.
.

[John R.]

There are two styles for this clasp in silver, yours is of course one of them, if it was original, in the second pattern. The first pattern in silver is quite rare, the bronze not much more common though in the first pattern.

There is a key to detecting fakes of this pattern, actually two keys. I am sure you have found them in those threads although not mentioned in the excellent posts by romulada.

John

[John R.]

To assist further, since your images are outstanding and exactly the type you need these days to compare U-boat clasps, I would recommend to you to do a side by side comparison of one of the existing images of this clasp of just the letters on the right side of the reverse.

That will be your first clue for any badge, meaning letter analysis.

John

[John R.]

This is a dangerous clasp these days, in bronze and silver and now the first pattern is being faked also.

I have just run a new thread on photo tips because of this. This is all well known to long time members here but new members must keep up to date on the evolution of fakes or they will be burned sooner or later. It is best to compare before purchase unless 100% sure of your skills in seeing the problems.

To summarize before I sign off for the night from this forum regarding this clasp:

1. Compare the letters on the reverse, both sides.

2. Compare the pin carefully.

John