Elephant Order for Review

[TheMadBaron]

I'm in the process of purchasing this Kolonialabzeichen on the classifieds of WAF, but have concerns regarding authenticity, especially in light of the preponderance of fakes out there. It's a late-period zinc example, but I'm only familiar with these badges having a safety pin-style attachment, not a hinge and catch. I know this is a Weimar-era badge, but popular among Imperial collectors, so I hope it's acceptable that I chose this part of the forum. Anyway, with that in mind, I would appreciate any input on whether or not to proceed.

 

 

 

 

[91-old-inf-reg]

Hello, 

One piece of information that I would ask for is if it is possible to try and obtain the weight of the badge. Generally this is a good indicator of its authenticity. If it’s a gram or two above 17g I would be comfortable with its authenticity but I am not a complete expert on these badges.

 

As for the catch, could this be a possible private purchase example? I’m not sure. I’m sorry if I couldn’t be of more assistance.

 

Best regards,

Dan

[VtwinVince]

I've never seen one with that type of catch. Here are my examples.

[TheMadBaron]

6 hours ago, 91-old-inf-reg said:

Hello, 

One piece of information that I would ask for is if it is possible to try and obtain the weight of the badge. Generally this is a good indicator of its authenticity. If it’s a gram or two above 17g I would be comfortable with its authenticity but I am not a complete expert on these badges.

 

As for the catch, could this be a possible private purchase example? I’m not sure. I’m sorry if I couldn’t be of more assistance.

 

Best regards,

Dan

I'll ask the seller. Thanks Dan!

 

1 hour ago, VtwinVince said:

I've never seen one with that type of catch. Here are my examples.

A very nice pair there. I actually handled an aluminum version at a recent show (compared it to one posted on WAF - exact match down to minute details) but I was only testing the Imperial waters at the time and unfortunately didn't buy it.

[Marcon1]

Hiya,

 

A good way to find out more is to use google images and type Kolonialabzeichen.

Then you can see if there is a image with the same type of safety pin-style attachment.

If there is, see what they say about it.

 

Marcon1.

[VtwinVince]

Also, just as an FYI, there are many purveyors of fake junk over at WAF, I was a member there for many years, so I know.

[TheMadBaron]

I've found these two examples, which seem to match the attributes of this being a late-period (ie. Third Reich) zinc from the accepted die:

 

1. https://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/forum/ken-jasper-international-militaria-forums/imperial-militaria-forum/529374-pinbacks#post4723119

 

2. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C146681?image=1

 

In any case, I'm confident enough to proceed. Thanks for the input, everyone.

[bolewts58]

IMO it's a genuine late WWII production. It has the tell-tale die flaw on the front of the bow across the top. When new, these had a bright, matte silver (Mattweiß) finish. This one seems to retain a good portion of it, albeit toned. Typically, the zinc 'eats' the silver finish.