Brand new to this! Please help authenticating Police Service Medal

[relichunter41]

Recently purchased a few medals I've already outed an SA sports badge as being a fake. Im hoping their not all bad. The Ribbon on this police service medal passes the U/V Blacklight test. take a look at the images let me know if its real or if i got rolled

http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/ub40fx11/media/DSCF5482_zpsx7td6431.jpg.html?filters[user]=145973167&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=2

http://s1149.photobucket.com/user/ub40fx11/media/DSCF5471_zpsy69zyuyr.jpg.html?filters[user]=145973167&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0

http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/...pscv2jh4up.jpg

[ironfist]

do not fear

Hi I cannot seem to get my computer to like photobucket.
look if your first ones are bad don't worry.Remember one rule .Post before you buy. Or at least buy from very good dealers that will give a full monety back if proven (like here) to be no good.Do not get down hearted we have all been stung some more than others for sure.This hoby opens so many doors into collecting and you will get lost with so much history.Every day offers more knowledge and study ,,just love it.

All the best keep at it .My best regards Pete

[Randy Flieger]

Police award

I clicked on photobucket and this is the medal that appears. Is this yours?
I noticed that not all of the claws were touching the wreath, I think that most of the good originals had all of the claws touching (but not 100% sure). Also, the finish looks very dull. Let's wait and see what other collectors say.
best regards, Randy

[relichunter41]

Thanks for the encouragement! theres definitely a steep learning curve with this hobby.If it does turn out i got burnt on all of them (i'm starting to think i did ) i'll just have to take it as a learning experience by studying those bad pieces and knowing what to look for in the future.

[relichunter41]

yes this is the medal I was referencing

[tranchant]

18 years

hello friend
for my opinion a fake 18 years!
best regards
patrick

[Ian Hulley]

Sadly it's a reproduction.

Here is my original 18 year award for reference ..





This probably made by Rettenmaier ... it's not ring-marked but is identical to my 25 year cross which is.

Cheers, Ian.