Republic of Ciskei insignias

[Lion101]

Hello, I pick up these insignias, not too long ago and I was told that they were making fakes of all the South African homelands cloth items. Would anyone know if these are orginals or fakes?

[Lion101]

Item 2 front

[Lion101]

item 2 back

Edited March 13, 2010 by Lion101

[Mervyn Mitton]

Hello Lion - wlcome to GMIC. I was sorry that no-one has answered your query, but I would think the simple answer is that unless a Sth. African collector picks-up on it , then no-one will be quite sure. I have never found the old homeland States to be very collectable - but then they have been gone for some years now and are no doubt quite rare.

The first one for paras - looks to be of quite good quality - but from the sticky patches on the back it looks to have been on a number of boards - but, no sign of wear apart from that. I can't even remember if they had a para-wing - I know they had that fleet of German Helicopters. I would say , from appearance that this looks OK. However, the other one is roughly made and in poor detail. Probably the one that will be genuine....

Have you looked in Owen's The Badges Of South Africa ? There is a section on flashes and cloth badges.

Edited March 15, 2010 by Mervyn Mitton

[Lion101]

Thank you for your help. It is hard finding any info for them. Here I am thinking that it would be safer than Thrid Reich. lol. At any rate. I have been trying to find a copy of Owen's Book but there has been no luck.

[Mervyn Mitton]

We carry signed copies of Owen's book - the cost, set by him, is R600 + postage. IM or, email me (on profile) if you are interested.)

[archie777]

Hi Lion101,

 

The top 1 is definitely legit, but as for the the 2nd one, a fake.

 

I'm only collecting Special Forces and here is a part of my Ciskei SF

 

Shout if you need any assistance

 

Regards

Archie Meyer

Lion101,

 

Here is my display of Bophuthatswana; Ciskei and Transkei Special Forces

 

Regards

Archie