Need help with 25 year NSDAP medal

[jwburchell]

Thanks, Ian, and others who have commented/responded.

Let me ask this question, to add to the assessment and for current/future reference: Are there known fakes/reproductions of this heavier, unmarked type example which bear the left wing flaw?

John

[jwburchell]

Correction

Sorry, I incorrectly stated this: the die flaw is, in fact, in the upper right wing of the eagle.

[Ian Hulley]

Hi John, sorry I cannot comment on the wing flaw ... I'm sure others will though

Notice the lack of any frosting or polishing on your example ... It's more noticeable on this 15 year cross (also by Deumer) The outer frame (almost like an Iron Cross) is highly polished whilst the ray burst is frosted with the highlights polished for emphasis. These are the details of quality I was meaning, something the 2nd highest Party service award, after the Gold Party Badge, should have.

Cheers, Ian.

[jwburchell]

Yes, Ian, I understand what you mean...and that is a handsome 15-year example you show. I had one like that once as well.

Back to the 25-year award, granted that my example is lacking the polished and frosted features of a cross in excellent condition. My 25-year example is admittedly in poor condition, which does not prevent it from being in the running for possibly being a period original. After all, it is what it is.

Regarding quality (versus condition) I do recall reading comments in earlier threads on the subject that - surprisingly so for awards of this degree and stature - the overall quality was not as good as one might otherwise expect.

That is why I am thinking that my example could well be a period original in poor condition...unless examples can be shown of reproductions of the 25-year award which bear the die flaw on the eagle's wing.

I, as well as you and others I am sure, look forward to knowledgeable feedback on the subject which will further enhance the value of this thread for future reference.

Best regards,
John

[Brian S]

Frosting on gold finish? That's a new one to me. I'm aware of Luft awards frosting.



Is that a thing? Frosting on Gold Awards?




Stan's post 35. (No frosting) But look at flaw on wing. Stan's hasn't been called a repro as I read thru the beginning of this thread. So...

[Jean-Claude]

[QUOTE=Brian S;8661087]Frosting on gold finish? That's a new one to me. I'm aware of Luft awards frosting.

Is that a thing? Frosting on Gold Awards?

Yep! You dont see it that often other than on minty pieces but "frosted" gold finish is as common as the "frosted" silver finish on minty flight badges. I cant speak german worth a ... but I think the term used for insignia (which unlike higher decorations is available in different grades/qualities for different prices from the same maker so they describe it as such) is "vergoldet mit poliert kanten"

A few examples

JC

[Brian S]

That means polished edges not 'frosting'. Nothing I have looks like a gold that's frosted. But I'll look again. Fire gilt or plating without polishing might give it a finish that looks unpolished and not bright and that's where the polished edges come in.


Frosted silver on the other hand actually is a chemical process on silver that does create a very light 'frosting'.

[Jean-Claude]

Same thing... The only reason why they bothered to "polish the edges" of a gilt or silver item was to break the overall applied mat/frosty finish so the polished surfaces would show through & stand out from the unpolished surface

JC

[jwburchell]

Getting back to the question I raised in my above postings (#91 & #94), and with reference to comments by others in postings #56 and #62 of this thread: are there known fakes/reproductions of this heavier, unmarked type example which bear the (right) wing flaw?

[jwburchell]

Further to my post immediately above, see also posts #31-36 in this same thread with reference to the wing flaw.

[jwburchell]

Comparative views: heavy version & wing flaw

Posting here some comparative photos of heavy versions of this award with the wing flaw shown earlier in this thread - none of which were challenged - in the hope of reaching some consensus.

First my example, then Stan's (post 35); then Bob Hritz (post 40); followed by pictures of the flaw - mine and Brian S. (post 31).

Thanks for looking,

John

[der-hase-fee]

Posting here some comparative photos of heavy versions of this award with the wing flaw shown earlier in this thread - none of which were challenged - in the hope of reaching some consensus.

First my example, then Stan's (post 35); then Bob Hritz (post 40); followed by pictures of the flaw - mine and Brian S. (post 31).

Thanks for looking,

John

A provoking thought: Could the wing flaw be an indication of a fake ?

[Tony T-S]

Now that's an unpleasant suggestion.

[jwburchell]

My Webster dictionary defines "provoking" as "annoying". However, one meaning of the main word "provoke" is "stimulus". I would like to positively interpret the comment by "der-hase-fee" as intended to provide the needed stimulus for further discussion on the subject of the wing flaw on this award, hopefully leading to some acceptable conclusion supported by credible evidence for the current and future benefit of all interested collectors.

Traditionally, as I understand it, die flaws have often been considered as a positive identifying characteristic of period original pieces.

[der-hase-fee]

Germany, NSDAP. A 25 Year Long Service Award

Someone committed to buy this fake:


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