Fake Alert: Hungarian Paratrooper Badge

[Eric Queen]

Most Hungarian Paratrooper Badges encountered are fake and are usually pretty easy to differentiate from originals. This is the first one I bought a number of years ago and must admit, until very recently, it fooled me. I know of course that it does not compare to the standard metal (nickel plated tombac or steel) badges but I had convinced myself that it was a late war piece made as a replacement or for wear on a side cap.

I guess one of the reasons I convinced myself of this is it is not like any other fake I have seen as the lines between the wing and the chute go straight across (there is usually a "dip" cut out of the fakes, or completely cut out) and the twisted shroud lines. I have never seen this on another fake.

[Eric Queen]

Here is the reverse of the badge

[Eric Queen]

Here is an example of what I would call a standard fake (most commonly encountered) The gaps between the chute and the wings are completely cut out and notice the non twisted shroud lines.

[Eric Queen]

Another fake with "dips" cut out of the gaps. Again with non twisted shroud lines.

[Eric Queen]

I have seen three (3) photos of what I would call a "Type 3" badge being worn. Type 3 characterized by a straight line between the wing and the chute. I originally thought that the badge which started this thread accounted for this as I had never seen another one with this characteristic. Recently however, a friend showed me examples of what an original of this type should look like and now I am convinced that this badge is not original.

Here is an example of the Type 3 badge in wear.

[Lubo]

Eric, you’ve started a great thread here, can you post originals from the three types?
This year for a first time I’ve noticed an increased number of these badges at the SOS, all very convincing, maybe not to the real professional with, but I’m still learning about them! The first one you’re showing I would swear it must be original