What is this SA item?

[emilitaria_usmc]

What is this SA item?

sa.jpg

28 mm, (1 1/8 inch), RZM 77

sa_rzm77.jpg

[rlimike]

Maybe for a collar tab ? Or a cap device http://www.germanmilitaria.com/Polit...s/N023573.html

[sgstandard]

Device

Collar tab device for an SA unit - "Verstarkter Grenzaufsichdienst - VGAD" (Reinforced Border Surveillance Service). Unit was formed in July of 1939.

[Erich B.]

IMO, based on the marking and the prongs, not original.
Erich

[squidney86]

The markings look rather shotty. Id beware of this, just my opinion though.

[eldenwaff]

Nothing jumps out at me as being non period, I like it

[Erich B.]

Nothing jumps out at me as being non period, I like it

You may want to compare it to an original; it may be likable but IMO it's a copy.
Erich

[Gary Symonds]

I am not a SA collector by any means. But for whatever it is worth it looks like an original to me.

Could this be a copy. Yes, of course. However, if an original was to be reproduced where is the market?

It has no swastika, no eagle. To the general public on its face, this SA insignia would have no connection to the TR.

Why would it be reproduced?

[Erich B.]

Since even Hindenburg crosses have been copied for many years (at least from the time when originals could be purchased for $8.00 or less), they'd be copied for any reason. Original examples are not easy to find, and while they're not big dollar items, there is a market for them. This one has a fairly convincing obverse, but the reverse is poor. If, as has been done, a fake is mounted on a collar tab, it would be difficult to ascertain originality without removing the insignia.
Erich

[eldenwaff]

You may want to compare it to an original; it may be likable but IMO it's a copy.
Erich

I owned one many moons ago, has long ago left my collection.

Do you have any pics to illustrate your point ?

[Gaspare]

IF,,if the RZM checks out good,, I saw this or very similar on a corner of a photo album....

[Erich B.]

I owned one many moons ago, has long ago left my collection.

Do you have any pics to illustrate your point ?

I'll have to check through several computers--I may have saved some images. I don't collect loose SA insignia, with some rare exceptions, so I don't own one. I'll see if I can find anything.

Erich

[emilitaria_usmc]

Add'l Info: this SA insignia was one item in a lot of about 70 items from one US WW2 veteran.
In my opinion, every item I bought from him was 100% original.
You can see this SA insignia (upside down) near the center of this photo sent to me by his son.

mike.jpg

This is 1 of 4 photos he emailed me.

[sgstandard]

Veteran Acquired

With all due respect - actually this is for newer collectors - In most cases, "veteran-acquired" items are what they're purported to be. But beware - EVEN IF THE VETERAN HIMSELF HANDED YOU AN ITEM - MANY TIMES THOSE ITEMS TURN OUT TO BE FAKE!!That's just the way it is. NEVER rely on that claim alone. (note: This is not specifically directed at the item that started the thread)

[Erich B.]

IF,,if the RZM checks out good,, I saw this or very similar on a corner of a photo album....

Everything in the photo looks good, so I think Gaspare has 'nailed' it--an insignia for the cover of a photo album or similar would be a logical assumption. The RZM marking is an earlier type than the SA Grenzschutz insignia would have utilized, and the prongs are different, but for a decorative escutcheon, it makes perfect sense.
Sorry to jump the gun and call it a copy, but I didn't consider it being anything but VGAD related.
Erich