GWL Observer

[Thomas Durante]

Hallo Martin,

I like this badge, and probably liked it when it was first discussed although I don't recall the thread right off the bat. I like everything about your badge, but can understand you wanting to return it if some others don't like it.

Can you show the differences in the maker marks? GWL used two different type of maker marks on their badges as you probably read in the Para book, does this mark match either one of those?

Tom

[Jeff V]

Hi Tom, here is the link to the earlier discussion.
best wishes,
jeff

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...t=gwl+observer

[Darrell]

This is really a shame. Fakers are ruinng this hobby. When originals are deemed fakes and vice versa, we are in trouble.

Soon people won't go near GWL's. Just look at the arguments on both sides for and against this badge. It will enter the "too risky" category and people will shy away from buying them.

[Aurora68]

Hi Darell,

this is exactly the problem!!
I am also very concerned about this.
Also I will make close ups of the GWL maker mark and show them here.

Kind regards

Martin

[Aurora68]

Here now the maker mark,
the image with the red background shows the badge in question

[Aurora68]

last one of the questionable badge

[Lubo]

Hi Martin, I'll tell you one thing - If this is fake, it is time to abandon this hobby!

[Mike H]

....

I have believed from the beginning this one is real.

Mike

[Aurora68]

Hello Lubo,

yes, I totally agree with you.

But see, this badge now is kind of " discussed into death"...some believe it is a good one, some don´t...and both sides have very good and conviencing arguments for their point of view.

My only reaction is: returning it as long as I am in the 14 day inspection period and seach for another" doubtless" original.

But what is doubtless??
Thanks and regards

Martin

[Thomas Durante]

Hallo Martin,

Thanks for the closeups. The maker marks still look identical to me, so can you highlight the area where you see a difference in them?

As far as originality goes, I think it comes down to each person's belief in whether the fakers can make such an accurate fake like this or not. For me, I don't believe fakers have gotten this far enough to make such a convincing fake of a GWL badge. Staegemeir is the best faker I know, but he still cannot make a fake that is as good as original GWL badges IMO. Close, but no cigar and as long as I can still feel comfortable differentiating between his fakes and originals, I am happy. I just don't believe he, or any other faker can get ALL aspects of originals badges 100% correct on the fakes. Some have good detail, and others have good rivets or maker marks, etc., but none have ALL of these aspects 100% correct IMO.

Tom

[fdodge]

I have believed from the beginning this one is real.

I believe so also.

[Jeff V]

This is an original badge for me and always has been. Unfortunately paranoia is at an all time high in this hobby. As such, if you ever plan on reselling this piece (if you hang onto it) you will always have the stink of the doubters on your badge which will make it harder to sell. With this in mind, if I were in your shoes I would return it.
best wishes,
jeff

[Bob Hritz]

How sad to see an authentic badge dismissed as unsaleable.

Bob Hritz

[Sebastien T]

Hello,

I'm agreed with Tom, I don't think Fakers are that close to reproduce an identical copy. In my opinion this badge is 100% original. If you look other collectible items like paint, money, badge etc... There's always something wrong to identify a fake. Too bad this one is burn out...

Just my 2 cents....

[fdodge]

How sad to see an authentic badge dismissed as unsaleable.

If I had the cash I would buy it right now.
Like Bob says, it's sad to see a real badge rejected like this.

Regards,
Frank