Hello all-
Thanks to Hans for the assistance . The wound badge on the right is the one in question, the other is included as a comparison.
I recently acquired an unmarked, (non-zinc), non-magnetic, silver wound badge that has about 95% of its finish left, and has taken on the patina that one sees on sterling silver, and there are some areas that are "frosty". The badge is VERY heavy, and has a high relief helmet and swastika. The helmet is about twice the heigth of a standard zinc badge when observed from the side, and the swastika also stands higher than usually encountered. The swords are incredibly detailed, having a sharp central line down the center of the blades and on each side as well. The detail of the pebbling is superb with no blurring as they near the wreath, and all other features are sharp and detailed. The outer edge of the badge appears to have been hand-finished as there are file marks evident. To the left of the hinge are some very tiny particles that appear to be splash from soldering. It is very minute and is not enough to constitute sloppy workmanship as there are no blobs of excess solder visible around the catch or the hinge. The fastening set up shows no evidence of replacement. The barrel hinge, round, blunt pin, and soldered wire clasp resting on small round base are nearly identicle to what is found on L/51 marked IAB's, and the whole setup sits very high on the back. I truly hope it is not a fake, I have my concerns because I have not seen one this well-executed before which leads me to believe it may be too good to be true, or maybe I'm just paranoid? Any comments appreciated.
Thanks, as always.
Thanks to Hans for the assistance . The wound badge on the right is the one in question, the other is included as a comparison.
I recently acquired an unmarked, (non-zinc), non-magnetic, silver wound badge that has about 95% of its finish left, and has taken on the patina that one sees on sterling silver, and there are some areas that are "frosty". The badge is VERY heavy, and has a high relief helmet and swastika. The helmet is about twice the heigth of a standard zinc badge when observed from the side, and the swastika also stands higher than usually encountered. The swords are incredibly detailed, having a sharp central line down the center of the blades and on each side as well. The detail of the pebbling is superb with no blurring as they near the wreath, and all other features are sharp and detailed. The outer edge of the badge appears to have been hand-finished as there are file marks evident. To the left of the hinge are some very tiny particles that appear to be splash from soldering. It is very minute and is not enough to constitute sloppy workmanship as there are no blobs of excess solder visible around the catch or the hinge. The fastening set up shows no evidence of replacement. The barrel hinge, round, blunt pin, and soldered wire clasp resting on small round base are nearly identicle to what is found on L/51 marked IAB's, and the whole setup sits very high on the back. I truly hope it is not a fake, I have my concerns because I have not seen one this well-executed before which leads me to believe it may be too good to be true, or maybe I'm just paranoid? Any comments appreciated.
Thanks, as always.
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