FLL Coastal Artillery from Max 2012

[Stephane]

Hello all,

I purchased a FLL Coastal Artillery badge at the Max Show over the weekend. I'm now back home and, upon closer look, I'm unsure of my badge's authenticity. I'm especially worried about the seam around the badge and the pock marks on a portion of the wreath, which point to a cast copy. Could you please take a look at the pictures below and tell me what you think?

Many thanks,

Stephane

[Stephane]

More pics

[Stephane]

The reverse set up is quite convincing.

[Stephane]

Here are the seam and the pock marks. Thanks for you help.

[Pepe77]

Stephane, Im not a big fan of your badge either. It looks like a casting indeed and whole badge reminds me work of a crook called Staegemaier.

Im sure navy guys will tell you more.

[Norm F]

Hi Stephane,

I have to agree with Joseph. To be honest, I don't really see a casting seem, but there are other numerous subtle things that are off on this one IMO which you've already noted. It isn't the known Staegemaier fake that was discussed in other threads, but could very well be another iteration.

Like you say the pock marks in the obverse are concerning, especially since the there's a lovely intact finish over the whole badge which looks unlike what I'm used to seeing on these badges. The hardware is very cleverly done but still shows subtle differences from the standard.

No way of saying for absolute sure, but it may indeed by another dangerous version from Staegemeir or one of his suppliers. We'll have to see if any more show up like it.

Best regards,
---Norm

[BubbaZ]

I have to agree, a cast fake
Here is my original award, bought at Kassel show years ago.
Cheers,
Hubert

[BubbaZ]

and with the pin up.
H.

[Stephane]

Thank you guys. I will wait for a few more opinions and I will contact the dealer. I have his business card.

[Pepe77]

Here goes mine for comparation..same poor soldering job on the catch

Hope you will get your money back Stephane

[patrice]

Stephane shouldn't have any problem getting his money back as it was bought from a " big name " dealer at the Max.

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Stephane,

I can only agree, the badge appears to be a cast repro. To me, that IS a casting seam in Post#4 - there is no physical way a set of trimming dies (shearing effect) could produce that feature. I have seen this sort of very well done faked catch method on some other cast repro badges. THe badge they cast it from had a broken catch. You can see on the great catch shot in post#3 that the base of the catch and the upside down "j" section are from 2 separate metals and they are soldered together where the "j" meets the back of the badge. In this case, it is NOT a repair. The pockmarking and generally weak detail also point to it being a casting.

Regards
Mike

PS: a "big name" dealer should know a LOT better than to peddle something like this.

[Stephane]

Thank you all. The dealer will take the badge back. This certainly has been a learning experience. Badge collecting is not easy, to say the least.

Stéphane

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Stephane,

I can only agree, this one is a cast fake. Glad to hear the dealer will take it back.

Tom

[AndyC]

Hope that could get your money back


Andy