Ed Maroli

Thank you for the research. ~ED

I must add that the pin was soft and easily bendable( not heat treated)

Sorry but I don't. A collector friend had bought it and was fortunately able to return it to the seller. It was at a gun show so no cameras allowed. Cheers, ED

As stated I would need a hands on evaluation. Recently I've held a hand cast RK GAB25 that was a perfect in the photos and a casting of a Schwerin HSF. THe GAB25 had fake bubbling and the HSF was supposed to be an early piece but was not tombak. This badge may very well be good but I would think that a Feinzink piece would not have so many gouges on the reverse (being more mid-war) and it's to light in color to be kriegsmetal. The badge does look correct for that maker but unless I can hold it I prefer to side with caution. ~Ed

The burr is caused by the forging/stamping process. A worn die leaves a bigger burr. These were normally removed in earlier pieces and are more typically seen on late war pieces. The burr line is also where the mold line would be. With the instant spreading of knowledge on the internet the forgers no longer have the incentive to make new dies. It is cost prohibitive. The new fakes are going to perfect castings, matching every detail and demension. They will also match the photos of known originals when compared side by side. The wrong base material and finish usually give them away. ~Ed

Hello, you may have to find a small brass nut at a hardware store and hand file it to fit. ~Ed

The area outlined in red is called a burr. A casting will pick up all detals of the original including any burrs. ~ED

The RS late war bades also tend to loose their gilding but keep a silver splash. ~Ed

This is also a casting. Note the fake bubbling of the finish. Until I hold it in my hands I would say no. ~ED

The badge is not tombak nor is it zinc. There are also no shear marks on any of the sides. This is a casting from an original made from high quality dental molds. Perfect in size and demensions. Without holding the piece I would say it is no good. ~Cheers, Ed

Rick, were you at the MAX? The seller had quite a nice collection of Imperial bars. ~Ed

Rick you truly are amazing! I owe you one or for that matter at least ten. Cheers, Ed

Rick, Thanks for the response. I was asking in conjunction with this Bavarian bar that I picked up at the MAX. I assume it's non-researchable, but belonged to a Hauptmann or possibly a Major. Thanks again, Ed

Hello, From what I found on Dave Danners site the Oval Duke Carl Eduard medal with Crown and Sword clasp was awarded 344 times. Is there any listing of the numbers awarded without the swords (non combatant)? Thanks, Ed

In Navy mounts it is a Kai Gunto. ~Ed

What type of mounts is your stainless blade in ? ED

And three Kanji which I can not read.

The blade is stainless. There are two arsenal marks. The top of which is the anchor stamp of the naval arsenal.

The tsuba and the seppa are blackened brass the others are silver plated brass. All parts numbered 928.

Cheers, Ed Maroli

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1944 Army scabbard

It is plain blackened copper/brass with the blackened brass spacers. All parts are numbered 928? if memory serves me. I believe the IJN used arabic numerals. I'll try getting the mekugi out later.