eboat#1 ... I have my doubts

[emilitaria_usmc]

I don't like the bubbles and finish on this badge. Any chance it is original?

a1.jpg

EBoat#1: white metal with a gray primary and a gold secondary finish, 57.7 x 45.2 mm, 38.2 gm, Schwerin Berlin 68, many tiny bubbles in metal or finish, nicely soldered fixtures, moderate wear.

gold finish has come off on high and low spots revealing gray finish below.
this does not look normal to me.

a2.jpg

no trace of gold on the back

[emilitaria_usmc]

eagle.jpg

finish does not look like real mercury guilding

b.jpg

lots of tiny bubbles all over the back.
bubbles on a zinker I expect, but not on what looks like white brass

[Garry Nelson]

Other than being a worn example, looks like a typical tombac Schwerin. The gold wreath finish looks almost like some kind of chemical might have spotted it. Just my opinion.
Best,
Garry

[Norm F]

Hi emilitaria_usmc,

It is indeed a commonly seen cast reproduction which comes in a variety of "ages". You'll find more like it in the fakes gallery:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...27#post2778327

Your observations about the problems with the texture and finish are of course correct, and also the contours of the reverse scooping and the hardware are wrong.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Nordmark]

Hi Dan,


I agree with Norm, it is a reproduction. For me the hardware is the give away. The finish and surface are very scary imo, the texture of an original zinc badge is almost perfect...


Daniel

[JAndrew]

Agree with Daniel and Norm. Your doubts are well founded.
JAndrew

[emilitaria_usmc]

Thanks for all the help! It is so appreciated!

Not this one, but a lot of these fakes seem to be getting better than the originals. It is so scary. One has to be a member of a forum these days if you want to collect!!

[BubbaZ]

Agreed, it's a fake
Cheers,
Hubert