Sub badge FO

[Cesare Cornia]

Hello this one seems well done, but the hardware is not correct for this badge, can you please confirm if it's a copy?
Cesare

[Cesare Cornia]

these two pictures are clearer

[Norm F]

Hi Cesare,

It's between a fake and an original with replaced hardware and refinished, and I favour the latter.

This is an uncommon variant which combines the "Type 2" maker mark in a low-lying position with a "Type 1" cutout under the sub. The square stamp on the lower margin of the reverse is uncommon as well. All that is to say that I think this is a genuine uncommon variant but unfortunately with completely replaced hardware and then refinished (albeit probably a long time ago).

Best regards,
---Norm

[Tom Yanacek]

Hi Cesare,

Sorry, but I do not like this badge. In some respects it looks like an original Friedrich Orth U-boat Badge that has been refinished and with replaced hardware. However, IMO it is a complete fake. Looking at the inboard, nine o'clock of the wreath, I see what looks like two, parallel, raised diagonal lines. These lines should not be present on an original f.o. U-boat Badge, but it is a trait that has been observed on some of the more convincing f.o. U-boat fakes. (see images below) In addition the head of the eagle is not as it should be for an original.

Best regards,
Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

You can see the diagonal lines on the badge in question more clearly in this enlargement. These lines are a sure sign of a fake, IMO.

Best regards,
Tom

[Cesare Cornia]

I too, having the badge in my hands, am more for a fake than a messed with badge.
At the beginning, the badge seemed convincing for base material and finishing, but the hardware was the trouble, so I too though that it could have been replaced, as Norm said. But I noted no signs that could suggest it.
So my final though was that it's a fake, simply better made than usual. Good eye about the two lines on the wreath, it's a detail that I missed.
Thanks Norm and Tom for the accurate explanations; I think that could be useful for someone else to have this badge posted in the fake gallery, it would be a dangerous copy for many, do you know when it's has been made?

[Norm F]

You can see the diagonal lines on the badge in question more clearly in this enlargement. These lines are a sure sign of a fake, IMO.

Best regards,
Tom

Right you are Tom. I didn't notice the tell-tale leaf marks earlier (through my kidney stone pain!) Just another example of the "square box" fake. There are already three examples of this type in the Fakes Gallery.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Norm F]

And another one of this type (more obviously fake).

[Tom Yanacek]

(through my kidney stone pain!)

Hi Norm,

I am sorry to hear this. I had that same problem around this time last year and it is definitely not fun. I had to have three surgeries so I do feel your pain. I hope you feel better soon.

Best wishes,
Tom

[Cesare Cornia]

I hope too
Thanks guys

Hi Norm,

I am sorry to hear this. I had that same problem around this time last year and it is definitely not fun. I had to have three surgeries so I do feel your pain. I hope you feel better soon.

Best wishes,
Tom