U Boat Hardware Information

[Bob Hritz]

Is anyone familiar with this hardware on a U Boat badge?

Bob Hritz

[Bob Hritz]

.

[Norm F]

Hi Bob,

This hardware is an imitation of a similar setup seen on early Juncker badges and some Beco awards. On Juncker U-Boats and EK1 clasps the hinge is a simple tube whereas on the Beco it's a cut-down block hinge leaving some small flanges like on the reproduction hardware you posted.

From the reverse, the badge you posted looks like another example of the Tombak fake Orth badge discussed here:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=698086

At least one such badge came from Staegemeir (whether made or just retailed by him I don't know), and another example has been posted with the tell-tale ribbed pattern on the bottom wreath ribbon filed down to disguise the "smoking gun". They're very high quality reproductions.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Bob Hritz]

Thank you, Norm. This was a throw in I got at the MAX Show. I had never seen the Orth pattern in any tomback version so was asked to study the badge. I am just surprised at the quality of the hinge and pin and wonder why any faker would put this setup on a badge that was not made in tomback.

It just goes to demonstrate the length the fakes go through to creat new 'collectibles'.

Bob Hritz

[BROBS]

It's insane, really.

-Brian

[Norm F]

It just goes to demonstrate the length the fakes go through to create new 'collectibles'.

I guess it's not surprising really. If Staegemeier or someone like him manages to sell just four nicely made Tombak fakes as "rare originals" for 600 Euro each, it's well worth the effort to make some nice hardware.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Norm F]

Just found the earliest WAF posting with one of these fakes from 2007, this one with a "Wg" stamp.
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=224449