Flammenwerfer! Flames, skulls and stuff

[Robin Lumsden]

Close ................. but no cigar.

Needs a few extractions from the local zahnarzt.

[dond]

Are you saying there must be a specific number of teeth? How many to be a good one?

[dond]

Or perhaps we should look at construction.

[dond]

or

[Robin Lumsden]

Just my opinion, Don.

OK - probably not worth a gnat's crotch.

But, after 42 years of very sad, but microscopic study and hard-bitten experience, I have come to realise that the ONLY thing you can rely on in this game is 'gut feeling'. Gut feeling, pure and simple. Gut feeling based on observation and handling of items over a looooooooooooooooong period of time.

Everything else .................. 'die flaws', minuscule weights and measurements, COAs, 'big names', etc. etc. ......................... is fluff.

Either a thing 'has the look' or it doesn't. It's that simple, so far as collectors are concerned. Right across the whole field of antiques and collectables.

That thing doesn't.

May sound a bit odd, but all the old-timers here will know exactly what I mean.

Hopefully.

Have a great Christmas!

[dond]

Just examining and discussing Robin. No need to take offense. I'm not convinced either way at the moment. One thing this thread has shown is that their is a wide variety with these. Much like the black skull that started this thread, one has to look at everything. As you know, I've held the two "known originals" posted in this thread. Given that they are constructed differently they are the left and right limits to me. Its what is in between that we should look for. Besides "gut feeling" I think we could establish some characteristics.

[Robin Lumsden]

No need to take offense.

None taken!

[Robin Lumsden]

As you know, I've held the two "known originals" posted in this thread. Given that they are constructed differently they are the left and right limits to me. Its what is in between that we should look for. Besides "gut feeling" I think we could establish some characteristics.

The good, the good and the ugly.

Just gut feeling .............................

[Chip]

Unfortunately, the good ones have been exposed in detail, front and back.....a huge help to those who plan to deceive. It's the old dilemma, how do you educate the collecting community without feeding the same information to the fakers?

Chip

[dond]

So we should not discuss things then? That helps the fakers even more imo.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Just my opinion, Don.

OK - probably not worth a gnat's crotch.

But, after 42 years of very sad, but microscopic study and hard-bitten experience, I have come to realise that the ONLY thing you can rely on in this game is 'gut feeling'. Gut feeling, pure and simple. Gut feeling based on observation and handling of items over a looooooooooooooooong period of time.

Everything else .................. 'die flaws', minuscule weights and measurements, COAs, 'big names', etc. etc. ......................... is fluff.

Either a thing 'has the look' or it doesn't. It's that simple, so far as collectors are concerned. Right across the whole field of antiques and collectables.

That thing doesn't.

May sound a bit odd, but all the old-timers here will know exactly what I mean.

Hopefully.

Have a great Christmas!

I consider myself a Medium old timer...

But I honestly believe that you need both.

There are many, many, many modern fakes that have the feel, the wear and with just gut feeling will cost you your shirt.

In 1970, or 1980 you could use (as I used to hear all the time) "hmmmm... fantastic quality, wear, patina... fakers cannot do that... this Knights Cross is REAL!"

But for the last 10 years or so... thats the best way to waste EUR10 000.

There are cloth and uniform items out there that are very RIGHT, in every detail... but are not. I know a tailor who makes stuff from old greatcoats for his own use... I defy anyone to know they are not "right" without him telling them.

To rely exclusively on "gut feeling" or to rely exclusively on Die flaws, weights and measurement... I would prefer to do both... using just one is going into battle one armed....

As far as "big names" go... lets say for arguments sake you say my wound badge is fake, should I automatically discount it because you are a big name? Or does this just concern ones you are, or are not on speaking terms with? :-)

Best

Chris

[dond]

or better yet

[dond]

and this

[dond]

to this

[dond]

Which I should add is a more padded example than the previous two.

[dond]

Which I should add is a more padded example than the previous two.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Are you saying there must be a specific number of teeth? How many to be a good one?

To be a good yank, so many and so bleached you can barely close your mouth... to be a good Brit or Euro, just a couple in the front and a working set of molars on one side in the back.

For South Africans and other colonials, depends on your dental plan... :-)

[dond]

And you wonder why no one sends you Christmas cards.....

[Chip]

And you wonder why no one sends you Christmas cards.....

[Robin Lumsden]

Another good reference photo for this thread ...................

[Robin Lumsden]

Just another skull oddity .................. Rumanian Volksdeutsche, from a photographic studio in Timisoara.

[Hoss]

Robin

Did you see the skull badge bugle on ebay? It was right down your ally I nearly bought it for you but its past Christmas.

Eric

[Paul H2]

To be a good yank, so many and so bleached you can barely close your mouth... to be a good Brit or Euro, just a couple in the front and a working set of molars on one side in the back.

For South Africans and other colonials, depends on your dental plan... :-)

Hey, what are you trying to say?

[Robin Lumsden]

Three little flamethrowers in date order ............. by the makers Lineol, Thomas Gunn & William Britains........

[Robin Lumsden]

OK.

So .................. now I'm reduced to collecting TK-related models and antique vesta cases............

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