50 Years Faithful Service Cross... good or bad please?

[Hauptmann]

Hi all. Had one... an original way back when I started out and foolishly let it go. Eyeing this one but I'm far from an expert on these. These are the only pics I have. Can anyone tell if this one is good or bad? Any help deeply appreciated!

Many thanks!

Dan

 

[ChrisKelly]

On the surface, this looks like a genuine piece.  Nonetheless, I don't like the "wobbly" inscription on the reverse.  Given the gold-gilding to the wreath, the "50" should look about the same, as the number was also gold-gilded.  That's a weird wear pattern. I also don't like the suspension loop at the top of the cross.  It's too... "tinny". This cross looks strange to me.  Certainly, the ribbon and pin bar on the reverse are likely genuine.  

 

These crosses are desirable, rare, and subsequently, expensive, should you find one.  At best, this cross has been altered, but more likely, it's a fake.

 

Below are some images of genuine crosses for comparison.

 

Source (first image):

 

https://www.germanmilitaria.com/Political/photos/N026290.html

 

 

 

 

Edited Saturday at 04:03 by ChrisKelly

[Megan]

Excellent informative analysis... I've certainly learned more about what to look for in one of these!

[ChrisKelly]

Here are some better images of originals:

 

Sources:

 

https://grenadiermilitaria.com/product/national-faithful-service-medal-50-years-with-case-by-deshler-sohn/

 

https://www.jbmilitaryantiques.com.au/product/ww2-german-50-year-faithful-service-medal/

 

 

[Hauptmann]

Many thanks Chris! I deeply appreciate the help. I'll veer off. About given up on getting one unless I have to spend a bloody fortune. Wish I'd never let my original go way back in the mid 80's. Traded it for a very nice cased EK1. Was fairly new to it all, really really wanted a cased EK. Long before the net of course. Just Der Gauleiter, Manions, word of mouth, flea markets and gun/militaria shows. Oh well... live and learn I guess.

[ChrisKelly]

Sorry about all that...  Years pass, interests change, debts arise (causing sales of that once valued collection).  I know the feeling.  Years ago I sold off a cased 40 year civil faithful service cross I now wish I'd kept.

 

Beware! 

Strange as it is, I found a fake on ebay.  The 50 year medal is not in high demand, since most collectors are more interested in the military and NSDAP awards, but this one has also been reproduced.  I wish the seller had posted an image of the obverse.

 

Source:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/354159661847?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=354159661847&targetid=2295557531950&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=1027271&poi=&campaignid=21415037908&mkgroupid=173029509028&rlsatarget=pla-2295557531950&abcId=9450163&merchantid=646496081&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr7C6BhDRARIsAOUKifiuLD6D36MHBv388foP3dbGYAmiX4giClG81GI19yoTr0wqG1h4G2YaAriJEALw_wcB

 

Edited 17 hours ago by ChrisKelly