Fake "Excellent" Badges.

[deValcourt]

I like it (though it's "aviatsii") and if the screw post is a replacement, then someone did a good job with it.:thumbsup

Phillip

[Tommy]

It looks like an actual Flathead Screw that someone has attached to the reverse.

Curious...

Cool though!

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by Tommy

It looks like an actual Flathead Screw that someone has attached to the reverse.

Curious...

Cool though!

Oddly enough, that type of screw post base is not uncommon on later (late 1960s onward) badges - especially those made of aluminum. I have many MVD badges with this type of post. You are right, though. They do look like inverted screws.

Phillip

[EricFG]

Originally Posted by Tommy

It looks like an actual Flathead Screw that someone has attached to the reverse.

Originally Posted by deValcourt

Oddly enough, that type of screw post base is not uncommon on later (late 1960s onward) badges - especially those made of aluminum. I have many MVD badges with this type of post. You are right, though. They do look like inverted screws.

That's the reason for my questioning this; that screwhead. It is not slotted although it looks much like a common, flathead (western) screw. And it is somewhat common in the Soviet badge world although usually seen, I think, much later than the 1950-57 time frame of this badge in question.
This screwpost certainly has little in common with those of the Excellent badges that preceeded it, although it was produced well after most of them using later technology.
The badge itself I like, the patina, wear and plate as well. It's just the screw and it's attachment method I question.

The following statement I initially posted about 24 hours after the above post and I had posted it seperately, after I had done some comparing and made some observations, just to give what is below some context. My posts were edited and deleted without notice or reason.

I'll answer myself as there seems to be much more serious issues here at the moment.
I checked Igor's page for badges of this type and it seems the Pobeda factory, in the 50s, did indeed utilize these sort of screwheads. The two screwheads I saw are similar, though not quite so defined as mine, and my example seems to lack that distinctive dark Soviet solder flux or adhesive reside so commonly seen.
But as it stands I'm 98% sure this is good.

I just started collecting the "Otlichnik" badges and would like some info. From the comments written in these posts over the years,,there are lots of fakes out there. If the badge shows definite signs of wear- such as some scratches over the enamel, slight chipping and hair line cracks in the white ring, and especially a shortened post to make the badge more comfortable to wear, does it make sense that it is more likely real? I am referring to the Pontoneer, Povodnik, Torpedist, Sniper badges.
Does it make it less valuable (shortened post)?
Thank you.
PS I am new this this tremendously informative site and haven't yet figured out the best way to post threads yet. I posted this thread in a different part of this forum as well. Pardon my posting it twice.

[Lapa]

Mr1bear,

Welcome to the forum. As you noticed, this area is replete with high quality fakes.

Unfortunately, the "symptoms" that you describe have been taken into account by fakers, and are no longer an indication of genuineness.

The best advice that I can give you is to post large, sharp, detailed individual pictures of the front and back of each badge. Then members will be able to give you some sort of opinion.

By the way, any of the defects you mentioned will obviously affect the monetary value of such a badge.

Marc

Thank you, very much for a prompt response.
I'll try to figure out how to post pictures.

[USSR]

Any thoughts on this rare sniper badge?

[USSR]

Any thoughts on this one and the one above? I would be most grateful for your help :)

[USSR]

Picture...2