RAD Badge- opinions please

[sellers34]

I just picked this badge up at a local antique shop and was wanting some feedback on it. I have not seen a badge of this particular type before, however I am familiar with the RAD symbol and DR. Todt. Does this item appear authentic? Who would have been issued a badge of this type?
The badge may be viewed at this web site on page 2.

http://www.geocities.com/stampinlyn/Sellers34_Homepage

[James Noble]

To start with I believe you are getting the RAD (State Labor service) which is the spade and the DAF (German Labor Front) the cogged wheel mixed up.now to your badge it was instituted in February of 44. It was to be awarded twice yearly by the leader of the DAF on February 8th and Sept. 4th to inventors in the field of arms......jnoble

[Ken Jasper]

Your badge is the Dr. Fritz Todt Prize. It was issued in gold, silver and steel versions and came with a cash award. An issued piece would have a serial number and manufacturer's number on the reverse. This badge has been widely reproduced.

[sellers34]

so, is it authentic?

[Ken Jasper]

Based solely on the photo of the reverse, I have my doubts. Too bad the pin is missing as the originals had a distinct pin.

[dm5000]

I concur with Ken

I concur with Ken. It is most likely a fake Fritz Todt Prize. I have seen at least 2 fakes just like the one in the picture that have with what appears to be a large casting defect on the back. If you look at Niemanns book, page 295, you can see how well made and "clean" the backs of the originals are. I believe that the hinge and catch are different as well.

Dave

[James Noble]

according to Forman's book Type A the actual award badge has the date of of institituion on the reverse "8-2-44" the other two versions Type B have a plan reverse like your badge and Type C has a Variation title "Dr.Ing. Fritz Todt Preis." with a plan reverse.
And like the others I too believe yours is most likely a repro...jnoble

[sellers34]

Thanks Gents for your insight. I too felt it was a fake when I purchased it, but for $10 what the heck. If it at least looks authentic from the front it will stay in my collection, not to sell but to use as a decent representative example. I assume not too many of these badges were produced and the price for an original would be prohibitative. I guess we have all been burned at least once.

[Ken Jasper]

$10 for a filler/decorative piece is not bad. I have seen repros sell for 5 times as much or more on sites like Manion's. A genuine piece would start at circa $600. And yes, we have all been burned, some more than others!moremad