Fake KGB and "Egg" Badges

[Nota Bene]

Chris,

Thanks for the scans.

I can't really say anything about the OGPU Graduation Badge, I have never seen one before, but I do have my doubts - the patina doesn't look right, the hammer and sickle looks a little off center, and the hammer head appears a little disproportionate. I find it a little unusual that the tips of the star would cover the letters.

I am inclined to believe that the 1924 Criminal Police badge is a fake, same bad looking patina, especially on the shield at 6 o'clock, and I find it hard to believe that a badge this old would not have any significant traces of wear. This badge is extremely rare, and i have only seen one before, and it was quite beat with damaged enamel.

The 5th Anniversary of the OGPU badge is unlike anything I have ever seen before: sword handle is unusual, sword tip is too short, hammer and sickle is too wide, shaky and raised "OGPU/ VChK" letters as opposed to enameled ones. Hmmmmm.........

The 15th Anniversary of the OGPU is also quite unusual, I especially don't like the sickle tip, which has to be right in the center of the sword's cross guard. It could certainly be a variation.

These badges are very commonly faked, and the quality of those fakes is usually very impressive, so thye need to be studied in person and in every detail.

Alexei

[Tal Inbar]

The XV is an obvious fake.

[Chris]

Hi Alexei

Yes they could be fake just as possible they could be genuine.

I have not seen these before in 6 years of searching, I have bought them from the same person who I believe is selling a collection.

Up close and personnel they are just to well made, and these badges are not copied from what I can tell. There is not the demand.

If you can give me a source of where they are faked I would get worried and times when you have seen them.

As regard the position of the hammer and sickle there are several variations and they all have different positions.

Regards Chris



regards Chris

[Chris]

Hi tal

Are you saying that mine is an obvious fake or the one from the site. The one from the site is reportedly real and I concur. MIne is a very low number.

There is a difference with the position of the hammer and sickle, this is normal bewtween variants. Apart from that they are very close.

If you are comparing "mine and theirs"

I have seen fakes of the usual tin stamp variaty. They compare nothing to the badges I have.


Have you handled any or is it just from surfing the internet.

I would be interested

All the badges are of very good quality siver and the paterna compare well with other "definate badges I have. The previous owner has cleaned up the higlights on all the badges. The paterna is strong and not chemical applied. There are no great dings to suggest wear but the same could be said of a lot of badges and medals. I do not believe they were worn that much and have be laid in draws for years on end, the owners long dead killed in purges etc (my conjecture).

Regards chris..PS if you think they are fake give reasons..no reasons = guess work.

[Tal Inbar]

Chris,

I don't have those badges but I examined a few. I must say that the "XV" badge looks much better from reverse side...Please PM me or use email to send a higher resolution images.
The "XV" part is tilted, and the letters are a little distorted. The Hammer and Sickle is off center to the left, and looks slightly different in apperance. It is possible that the Roman figures (XV)has been replaced.

Like you, I am not always suspect lack of wear traces - I saw an original order of Lenin (GOZNAK) in almost un-issued condition.

The patina on the back looks good. SO, It is possible that this piece is original, but it is hvae to be examined not by pictures...

BTW, There is another internet source at:

http://www.sadcom.com/pins/kgb_badges/badge1.html

Tal

[Chris]

Hi tal

It is a little unfair to ask any one for an absolute answer with a scan and I appreciate your interest.

I will send you some larger scans later by private e-mail.

I am now going to feed my addiction down and around the bazaars!

Cheers chris

[Tal Inbar]

Recent find (http://nkvdcollect.narod.ru/photoalbum1.html):

[Tal Inbar]

And :

[Tal Inbar]

Another ebay special:

"This is Soviet KGB Badge Brand NEW and MINT condition, and is about 3 1/4" X 1 3/4" in size. It is all metal and has a back pin. This is a great collectible item":

[Nota Bene]

Chris,

Tal is right, nobody can give a definitive answer just by looking at the scan. We can only discuss them and offer oppinions.

I really appreciate your contribution to this thread, you always post the most chellenging pieces.

I like it even less looking at the back, the patina has a very suspicious pattern.

Here's another scan. Look at where the sickle tip should be.

Alexei