Another fake flight badge

[Stogieman]

Yes, they never stop appearing, do they? This is a well-made, ca 1970's fake of the Prussian Aerial Gunner Badge. Don't buy these!

[Stogieman]

Reverse of the fake:

[Stogieman]

Close-up of fake maker mark

[Stogieman]

So, what are the "clues"?

A) 2 piece construction-all real ones are 3 parts

B) Cut-out cross on top

C) wrong shape to hinge "well"

D) wrong pin

E) wrong mark

[David Gregory]

Without wanting to start a new thread, was I right to ignore this one on German eBay aution #6222350636?

It sold for Euros 416.

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[David Gregory]

I assume the back will reveal more:

[attachmentid=15414]

The side:

[attachmentid=15415]

I assume from the crown mark that you do not like it. Was this one to avoid?

If so, what are tell-tale signs?

Many thanks in advance,

David

[Stogieman]

Absolute rubbish that sold to somebody who thinks they probably just had the deal of a lifetime. Authentic Badges will sell for $1200 and up, minimum.........

The give-aways:

Cut out cross atop the crown.

Note the crappy, rough "piercing" on the crown inserts... you could stick a pencil in there.

Badge is too "thin"/pin is too "high"........ even late war badges that used a thinner silver plate had real depth to the hinge well.

And of course....... the crown and fake Juncker stamp

[Stogieman]

Wrong pin

Wrong Mark

Crown Mark

wrong hinge "well"

cut out cross on top

rough "cut-outs" in the insert of the crown

[Stogieman]

Here's a nice selection of 100% textbook marks, all attributed to Juncker. Note how the crescent, the 800, etc are consistent across the board.........

[Luftmensch]

Here's a nice selection of 100% textbook marks, all attributed to Juncker. Note how the crescent, the 800, etc are consistent across the board.........

As they say in Screenplay 101, "SHOW don't tell." Very eloquent, Stogie. Great demonstration.

Rgds

John

P.S. I think I have one of those custom made private purchase Junckers to show you. Will post when my camera guy gets his butt over--or I get my butt to the camera store...

Edited November 11, 2005 by Luftmensch

[David Gregory]

Rick,

Thanks for the very informative reply.

Like many other collectors, I would be happy to acquire an authentic flight badge. However, this is one award for which no amount of homework will be too much before I part with any money.

The price you quote puts an entirely new perspective on it. A simple stamped steel issue piece, if it is good, can be had from a Hamburg dealer for less than Euros 400. Is that an indication that the badge is not good or are the issue pieces so much cheaper?

David

[Stogieman]

Hi David, the stamped steel (issue) pieces can be had for significantly lower amounts. Typically in the 300-400 Euro range. More if they have the issue document, or the plain packet they were handed out in. The price I quoted is for the a private-purchase badge in silver. The one exception would be a stamped-steel issue Aerial Gunner Badge by Juncker... expect to pay close to 2K for one of those, if not more. Private Purchase in silver? Forget it, think 4K+++

[Stogieman]

Just for fun, here's a pair of stamped badges for review:

[Stogieman]

Reverse of this pair..........

[Stogieman]

And my favorite pair of fotos. The stamped gunner and silver gunner side by side.....

[Stogieman]

reverse of the pair of gunner badges:

[Stogieman]

ahhhhhhhhhhhh, I love the smell of silver in the morning........

[Bob Hunter]

Very impressive, Stogie!

[Stogieman]

Yes, to date......... not one person in the US who has access to much "behind the scenes" discussion amongst the serious researchers of these badges, or one "old collection" type person has been able to produce a second example of the private purchase piece. I know of one in Germany. I'm sure there are more over there..... but no-one seems interested in discussing it. No example found in Berlin Museum either!!

It's a difficult load to carry, but the bank deposit box manages nicely!

[Luftmensch]

I'll try to post my private purchase pilot by Monday...the veining on the leaves are in gold!

Rgds

[VtwinVince]

Thanks again, Stogie, for alerting us as to the minefield known as Imperial flight badges