Unique Luftwaffe Breast Eagle

[Willi Z.]

I've seen so many styles of hand-embroidered eagles, made both in Germany and in various theatres of operation, that I am reluctant to condemn outright many things.
Sorry this is regarded by you as leading to confusion.

Do you like the one in question?

[Leroy]

Makes no difference whatsoever if I personally like it or not. In the absence of other factors which might be revealed on "in-hand" examination (glowing threads, won't pass a burn test, etc. - none of which, by the way, are conclusive, but which might tip the scales in personal choice), this is just another example of a variant eagle, which could easily be something locally made. There are plenty of LW hand-embroidered eagles out there to choose from, so if you don't personally like it, just don't buy it. I agree 100% that there are "conventional style" eagles which most collectors would feel comfortable with. This is not one of them, but so what?

[Journeymontana]

If you like it then buy it! I have an SS armband that is not a typical construction and I freaken love it! If you like it and it is not an obvious fake there's no harm. It's your money and if you want that one of a kind Conversation Starter buy it!

Best wishes!

[juoneen]

I have to agree with Leroy. But for different reasons, but in the same ball park....this eagle has the appearance of being uniform removed, has real age to it, and although non conventional of the usually found, the backing also seems period to similar backing found on other original bullion Eagles.

IT is times like this that nobody can spoon feed you as what to accept or not, and although it's interesting to get other opinions when it comes down to it, we all eventually get items we feel just may be unusual and so we pounce.


That decision can only be yours to decide....but in light of canceling if you recant and change your mind again, you would almost have to agree to not flip flop again, and then want another refund later....that can give you a bad name as a troublesome buyer.
If you decided to score it, you are married to it , and that's that....so decide to or not and forever hold your piece...or pass....must have been something that caught your eye that appealed to you . If some day you find some pilot wearing this exact eagle then you will be glad you snagged it.....the real way to tell is ....does not having it really make you wish you had....because once gone you may never see another the same with chance to buy again. Difficult decision...but that's part of the intrigue of the hobby. Good luck.

Like journey Montana I also have an early SS felt swas armband I got from the vet myself in the mid 60s I know is original....don't care if others do not accept the style of the swas, but for the hard earned five bucks I paid for it, it's a real beauty to me, and can still recall the vet talking to me about where he got it during the war himself. Everything is not about resale or money.

[JasonA]

Here's a clunker being worn by Pips Priller.

Thanks for posting. Even at such a low resolution, this Priller-worn example shares similar features to a few of the other eagles here.

I don't like most of the eagles posted below, but you do have a point - collectors can be too quick to toss out non-textbook examples, and many period pieces have likely been impugned because of it. My eyes are filling in the details of the eagle in the photo you shared, but at a glance it appears to be an eagle most of us (including me) would throw out as a poor quality reproduction.

It just goes to show you that we will continue to be surprised regardless of how much we think we know.

J-

[dc9]

Hello All,

The consensus on this one is that it is definitely bad, correct? I have seen these pop up from time to time in both silver and gold and was considering buying one of each, although I have never had one in hand.

Thanks,

Eric

[JasonA]

Eric - my opinion would be to pass. A repro for me.

J-

[dc9]

Eric - my opinion would be to pass. A repro for me.

J-

Thank you, Jason.

I did. It is scary - this one looks like it has that "been there" look. The reverse isn't shown for the silver one, but I don't like the "black" paper backing that seem to be present on these examples...

Here's one in gold. If these aren't real - the mothing would have added some credence for me.

[JasonA]

I understand that it feels scary - we've all been new collectors. Once you see enough period examples, though, most of the time it's easy to tell the difference with pieces like these. Every once in a while it's difficult, as ugly doesn't always mean reproduction.

J-

[Jos L C]

The gold one is definately fake, they also exist in cap eagle size, I think those moth holes are artificial.
Remember, people do anything to sell anything.
Adding some moth holes to fake visor caps also seems to work well etc..

Jos.

[dc9]

Thanks Jason and Jos for the sound comments.

Regards,

Eric