Fake "Excellent" Badges.

[Chris]

Another variation.......the Hammer and Sickle is attached like a OPW.

Chris

[Nota Bene]

Chris,

That's a terrific find! Thanks for posting it.

Alexei

[Mozzabloke]

All this talk of Otlichnik badges got my interest up. I saw the badge below on Ebay and took the plunge I paid about £12 ($18) for it. It looks like the good example from the earlier posts. What do you all think?

Mark

[Tal Inbar]

This one is offered as a copy for $14.95

[Mozzabloke]

Fortunately thats not the one I bought.

But there are are some good quality fakes out there.

The jury is still out as to if I have bought one too.

Mark

[Tal Inbar]

The seller is used to sell fakes, so I was surprise to read this:

"In my opinion, these 3 badges must be UNOFFICIAL RESTRIKES of the famous 1943 set. They look definitely old and legit, but something "smells bad" with the enamel. "

And there is a legend here too:

"I was told that people in St. Petersburg had found the original WWII die and "borrowed" it for one night from the factory. They made around 200 unauthorized copies of these badges. "

Oh, well...

[Nota Bene]

Tal,

I've heard the legend before, and it's pure fiction. All three badges are fakes.

Alexei

[Tal Inbar]

They are telling the trouth to often:

"In my opinion, this badge must be a copy of the rarest one from the famous 1943 set . The badge looks definitely old and legit , but something "smells bad" with the enamel. The original badge costs around $200.00 and is extremely rare. May be I was lucky, during my last trip to Russia, but I found 6 of them at one time and at one place"

From the same seller:

"In my opinion, this badge must be an UNOFICIAL RESTRIKE of the one of the most collectible badges from the famous 1943 set . The badge looks definitely old and legit , but something "smells bad" with the enamel."

From myself: It looks very good! (exept the enamel which is :eek: )

[Nota Bene]

Tal,

Maybe it's the Forum. They still leave some hope for the buyer or have a fantasy story to tell to push the price up.

I think the badge looks ugly, and not only because of the enamel, but also because of the fake patina.

Alexei

Originally posted by Tal Inbar
From the same seller:

"... The badge looks definitely old and legit , but something "smells bad" with the enamel."

[Mozzabloke]

My Sub badge arrived today.

Im not convinced by it authenticity the screwpost base seems very narrow, there is no sign of wear and the screwback seems too new. Also it feels too well made (if that makes any sense!).

Your comments appreciated.

Also here's a Sapper badge for you to pass judgement on.

Thanks

Mark