Need help on NSDAP 25 years medal

[erikofnorway]

I have been offered this medal from a local source who have had it for the past 40 years (he claims) . It has never been in a collection before. I know these are scarce and widely faked. Can someone with knowledge advise me if this is the real thing, and what approximately it is worth? I know they are not cheap.

The medal is missing the ring, which he claims he cannot remember it ever had. The ribbon has the gold thread intervowen. The case is unfortunately broken, but still ok.

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[erikofnorway]

Looks like the images got messed up. Trying to post again.

[Wim Vangossum]

I think it looks all very promising but I'm afraid your pictures are not sharp enough to give good opinions. But IMO there is a chance it could be a good one.

Regards, Theo
(Wim Vangossum)

[erikofnorway]

Thanks Theo. These are the photos I have for now. Sorry the light was bad, which made photography difficult. I am not a medal person, but based upon other photos of this rare award on this forum, I have a feeling it is good. The case is broken (lid came loose from box), and it is missing the ring. The seller claims he had it for many years and it was supposedly removed from a woman's house in Germany during the war. I know, but the piece not the story. I thin I can get it for a reasonable price, which is why I am pursuing it. If anyone else with experience in this rare award can chime in that is appreciated.

Also, what would be the reasonable value of this piece between collectors?

Erik

[Silesien]

I'd have to say it's a good one; it's certainly not one of the old Rudolf Souval fakes as on theirs, the wording/lettering on the backside was too-fat (thick.)

[JoeW]

As Theo wrote, your pictures are not useful for such an analysis you wanted. Try this thread from a while back. It has some excellent pictures and discussion. What is the width and length of the ribbon in metric please.

Value? I haven't seen any 25 crosses sold recently. Originals are extremely rara. I would think the value would be in excess of $1500 to $2000.

[erikofnorway]

I have gone through the threads on this forum, and it is as far as I can see in compliance with known originals. Then again, I am not a medal collector, so I don't know what really to look for. It is a 3 piece construction. But medals scare me..... But with this one I get the feeling it is original. I cannot go back and take more pictures. I have to make a move on it soon.

Erik

[Gary Symonds]

Looks like an original.

[Stan]

NSDAP 25 Yr Cross

This looks like an original cross in great condition BUT it is missing the loop which is very odd because the loop on this type of cross is usually marked "19" and is soldered closed.

I think the value JoeW puts on this cross is spot on.

As far as rarity is concerned, I saw 4 of these crosses two weeks ago at a West Coast dealer and have been offered a further 5 in the past year, all of which were marked "19".

Stan

[erikofnorway]

Thanks for all input. Would that value estimate be based on medal alone or is that including the case? In this case, the caase is included, but lid has separated from case itself.

Erik

[Stan]

NSDAP 25 Yr Cross

Erik,

The fact that the marker-marked ring is missing is far more significant than the fact that the case is damaged. When I first started collecting 40 years ago I was told that awards are worth much less if "bits" are missing. A damaged case I could live with, but this beautiful cross is missing a vital part.

Stan