KM decals: "Gold Flakes" or not??

[jeff6tharmy]

Gents, time for a little education/clarification. Reading Ken N.'s book section regarding KM decals as I read it I get the impression that the KM decals were manufactured differently than the Heer decals, with I assume a gold tone eagle that was "sandwiched" between layers and that the eagle was not really layered in gold and did not really contain "gold flakes" as some resources indicate. I've looked at many of the authenticated KM decals offered here and am interested in your experience/clarification.

[RGD51]

A metallic gold (brass?) pulver lithographers ink would be my guess. That and of course black on a neutral base material. Many KM decals show a discernible black border around the eagle hence the layered look. The printing process of KM's may be different, maybe others will opine on the matter.

Robt.

[Ron Weinand]

KM decals are layered and have a distinct gold layer, hence the black shadow around the eagle's shape.

[jeff6tharmy]

Thanks gents, so Ron, you indicate there is actually a gold layer which leads to the "gold flakes" look as the decal ages and/or is damaged/scratched??

[Ron Weinand]

There is a layer, but only gold colored and not real gold IMO. IF you look carefully at a scratched dedal on a true KM helmet you can see the layering

[jeff6tharmy]

Thanks Ron, in the absence of any other observations/opinions, your reply confirms the decal description as I interpreted it in Ken N.'s book which makes no mention of actual gold in the decal. Appreciate your time.