Pilot badge

[J Temple-West]

Just a few distinctive characteristics to look out for when assessing originallity.

[J Temple-West]

Catch..

[J Temple-West]

Hinge..

[J Temple-West]

Rivets & maker mark.. There are MM's that have a flaw at about the 9 o' clock point where the ring has a break in it. Can post an example, if needed.

[Jeff V]

Don't forget that originalswill have fingerprint swirl machine marks on the back of the eagle. The fakers have not got that right yet.
respectfully,
jeff

[mrg]

Thanks for the input guys much appreciated. Hi John my own GWL has the low long barrel hinge that i think was the early pattern? Pics of the flaw would be most welcome. When i get home will check for swirl marks and finger prints. Thanks for the help.

[J Temple-West]

Thanks for the input guys much appreciated. Hi John my own GWL has the low long barrel hinge that i think was the early pattern? Pics of the flaw would be most welcome. When i get home will check for swirl marks and finger prints. Thanks for the help.

Hi mrg... I'm afraid that I don't hold out much hope if your badge has a barrel hinge as all 'GWL' awards have the same reverse setup..

Here's the MM with flaw and the swirl ('fingerprint') pattern..

[mrg]

Thanks John, like i said i have always been more towards fake than real, but the two guys i took it to know there stuff. . Well back to the drawing board. Thanks again for the pics, will keep any eye out for those flaws in mm in furture.