Real or Fake?

[Brian Robinson]

Sorry guys, I know this is a common and novice question. But since this isn't my field (I'm into Japanese stuff) I am trying to verify this one for a friend who is interested in it. It is up for sale here in South Africa, but to my novice eyes, the detail on the fittings just seems off and it just sets off my 6th sense. I know the pics are really crappy and are way too indistinct, but that's all I have for now.
But for youexperts here, can you comment on this one and is there reason to be cautious or does it have a good chance to be real?

Thanks in advance.

Brian

[rbminis]

At the very least, it has been dis-assembled and re-assembled incorrectly. The maker's mark should not be facing the front.
Ralph.

[DR DOLCH]

Very difficult with the pictures.The scabbard APPEARS to have a swirl pattern to it which would make it bad.You are right about the detail, it is awful,

[Schlange]

From these photos looks like original 3. type WKC Solingen Heer dagger. Unfortunately the whole dagger was heavy cleaned.


Schlange

http://www.mojalbum.com/schlange88/album

[Kelly w]

From my limited experience, that is not the known classic fake swirl pattern.

[Kelly w]

From these photos looks like original 3. type WKC Solingen Heer dagger. Unfortunately the whole dagger was heavy cleaned.


Schlange

http://www.mojalbum.com/schlange88/album

I'm just beginning my dagger research so a few questions.

This cleaning, how does it effect value, what % of value is lost? I read that many bring back GI daggers were cleaned by the Vet etc.

[nickn]

I would say all daggers were cleaned by there original and subsequent owners
It's just the wear to the dagger that dictates its value
I like the grip colour

[Kelly w]

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...=cleaned+blade

Good example of heavy cleaning, maybe steel wool, this will effect price correct?

[nickn]

As with most collectables condition is everything

[heers68]

I think this is a correct period WKC heer dagger with the "hatchet head" guard, looks like the piece may have even been in close proximity to a fire? Just looking at the back of the guard and some corrosion there and on the swirl of the guard.. The grip while being a pleasure to look at is also proof of that heat exposure. Probably cleaned after to remove signs of that. Best, Kevin.

[Brian Robinson]

Thank you folks, that is very useful info.
Can anyone comment on rbminis' statement that the makermark is on the wrong side?
Yes..I noticed that one side of the crossguard apprears "melted"or deformed badly. I will need to try and get better pics of that. Surely that would be a serious condition issue?

[Schlange]

I'm just beginning my dagger research so a few questions.

This cleaning, how does it effect value, what % of value is lost? I read that many bring back GI daggers were cleaned by the Vet etc.

Quite lot. Untouched items are achieved the highest price. But unfortunately, sometimes people think that: if the items shines then his prices is higher.


Schlange

http://www.mojalbum.com/schlange88/album

[Schlange]

Thank you folks, that is very useful info.
Can anyone comment on rbminis' statement that the makermark is on the wrong side?

I agree with these statement.


Schlange

http://www.mojalbum.com/schlange88/album

[nurseswim]

Heer

Heady cleaning, polishing,etc will not appeal to many collectors and will drive values down often

[Brian Robinson]

Hi all,
I have some better pics now, that i think show it far clearer.
To me, looks more genuine now.
But can we confirm it has been assembled backwards?
Are there any other issues that can be seen? How scarce is that colour grip material and is it any more desirable?
I would have expected the fine detail on the fittings to have been cleared, but I guess they varied?

Thanks again.