Kriegsmarine CA FLL 43

[John R]

Of course, under magnification, every single badge has a die flaw someplace. However, is there an obvious die flaw to the FLL 43 Coastal Artillery badge that is recognized in this series by this maker?

John

[Gordon Williamson]

Can't say I've noticed any. Fairly common badge so I haven't thought of examining for minute die flaws to spot possible fakes. Have you noticed something then John ?

[John R]

Thought Erik K. said there was one. I will send him a message to clear it up. John

[Martin W]

I informed Erik of the die-flaw a couple of weeks ago when he sent me images of his rather uncommon example,with the incused Maker mark,which also has the flaw.

Some months ago i was looking at examples of FLL badges when i noticed this "flaw" appeared in all original examples.

I guess i stumbled upon it accidentaly.

The "flaw" is in the form of a small cicular indentation in the lower part of the gun housing.slightly above and to the left of the ribbons.

I will post a couple of examples below.They are not hard to see,in fact,quite obvious.

So obvious,i thought to myself,am i the first to notice this???

Regards,Martin.

Edited July 10, 2009 by mwestley

[Martin W]

Example 2.

[Martin W]

Example 3.

[John R]

Hi Martin,

I never noticed that before and all the examples I have checked do indeed have this flaw. Thanks, John

[Martin W]

John,

i guess that the flaw was so obvious,i didn't even consider posting my findings,except at GCA.I figured it was known information.

Regards,Martin.

Edited July 11, 2009 by mwestley

[Gordon Williamson]

Ah yes, I know what you mean now. I am familiar with it but the terminology of "flaw" threw me as I have always just thought of this as a die characteristic rather than a flaw. What this is supposed to represent I don't know, but I rather think this is a deliberate feature.

Most die "flaws" are caused by damage to the surface of a die caused by a crack, chip etc and leave a raised feature on the item. Can't think what sort of flaw on a die would leave a perfectly round raised point to impart an impressed point on the item. (at least not one that would be very obvious on the die and could be polished out in a few minutes)

Plus - it is present on a 57er I had of this badge. Sorry its not a great pic but you can just see the small round indentation.

A die feature that could be useful in determining genuine FLLs, sure, but surely not a flaw.

[2dresq]

Very interesting thread.

Interesting to note as well with the circular indentation of FLL badges.

Thanks for pointing this out.

Regards,

2dresq