Totenkopf... god or not ?

[Edelweiss]

Er... sorry to bother you with a question that surely comes here twice a week, but well, I'm still learning on this specific topic...

I've already made my own idea about it, but would like to know if it matches yours, SS guys.

Danke sehr,

[Edelweiss]

Here's an other (better) view.

[SgtB]

My initial gut-impression is that it is another worn and mis-shapen original, Chris.
But the fakes of these are getting better all the time so I say that with some
reservation. What is it sewn to?

[Edelweiss]

Hi Brian

It's on a M43 I've been knowing for 2-3 years... I can't take a picture by now, so I scanned the head. But I'll add more pics soon.
Could you please be clearer for a dumb frenchie : "worn and mis-shapen" ?

Well, compared to all I saw on the numerous threads here about such insignas since weeks, I was quite sure it was a repro...
One found by AJ in an "old wallet" (a very recent thread) looked very, very close, but no cigar IM(poor)O... (?)
Here it is, if AJ doesn't mind :

[ReichsHeini]

tk

In my opinion.This one is a repro. I don't like the loose weave on this TK.
AJ's was an original.

[SgtB]

Actually I think that Chris's and AJ's are from the same run. Notice the
chipped tooth, cross-bone details, etc.

On Chris's, the skull looks like they do after they've spent a lot of time out
in the elements. After they've been wet,dry,wet,dry,wet,dry many times
the threads start to dry up and shrink. Then you can start to see the black
base cloth bleed through like that in between the white threads. It also
becomes much rougher to the touch compared to the silky smoothness
of a minty one.

With AJ's, it has been smashed flat in a wallet for some time so all of the
white threads are flattened together and overlap somewhat. Hence you
can barely see the base.

[Edelweiss]

Thanks Brian, that's clearer now. Well, I guess I must now refer to AJ's thread conclusions to have the final word about this not-that-so-often-seen-variant...
It's true that it's a seldom encountered head, and that explains by bad feelings about it.

[JOHN VD HEIJDEN]

re

Hello edelweiss
your deadsheads is exact the same as A.J.
both are IMO fine original,s


I also said this on the thread that was started by A.J.




greeting,s Johnny

[John T]

I agree with the other guys...the pieces are the same, just one is somewhat mishappen...I know some guys laugh at the black light, and I think the new fakes do not glow, but has anybody tried that?

John

[ReichsHeini]

Brian,
Looking at the chipped tooth and other detail, I have to agree, they are both original, this one just has different wear. This is not one of the common cloth Tk variations, but I believe i have a period photo of this one somewhare...

[Edelweiss]

This is not one of the common cloth Tk variations, but I believe i have a period photo of this one somewhare...

And believe I would be VERY glad to see this photo if you manage to find it...

Well, I think all of you are right : after a good night of sleep and a little time comparing them at calm, I agree they match (I have no personal interest in being partial here, and it's not my habit at all in general ). I hope posting some good views of the cap in a couple of days, with the results of the blacklight test.

Meanwhile, thanks to all of you, your help was greatly appreciated ; and a particular thank to AJ to have shared with us his reference variation of this specific insigna : a solid provenance is always precious in our hobby, whatever the item...

[SgtB]

Brian,
Looking at the chipped tooth and other detail, I have to agree, they are both original, this one just has different wear. This is not one of the common cloth Tk variations, but I believe i have a period photo of this one somewhare...

You're a big man to admit that you MAY BE wrong, RH! The truth be told,
I'm not positive that I'm not! As usual, I'm mostly bluffing here! (read;
BS'ing)

Militarybuyer, I agree, a blacklight could be very beneficial here.And maybe not.

"...a good night of sleep..."?!?!?!? Chris? Have you gotten laid yet?

A Frenchman like you oughta be walkin' that dog all over town!

[SgtB]

Here's another one for the pile!

I've had this one for a few years. It came from a pretty good source and
it was definitely sewn on to something at some time. But I've never seen
a fake or a good one just like it. Anybody? I will honor any and all
opinions.

[SgtB]

back

Sorry but lousy scans are best I can do on short notice.