I think the biggest red flag on Ninth Bead fake is thin W, thin date numerals and typical overall shape of 1914 KO frame, which is used to make this fake.
Looking for the Ninth Bead can bring you only confusion, because
- there is one subtype of A-type core, that also have bigger Ninth Bead (see photo)
- sellers of Ninth Bead fake already learned to mask Ninth Bead with all possible methods.
What they can mask only very badly, is the fact that Ninth Bead fake is always stamped and painted, while original awarded A-type was mostly cast and blackened.