08-26-2002, 08:41 AM
Well, I finally registered for this site. Greetings Nota Bene old friend. I have not heard from you in ages. I am a little out of touch here in Bosnia these days - I also have other interests (medieval arms and armour) but I still keep collecting Soviet stuff if slowly.
I am glad you guys like my otlichnik.tripod.com website. Lots of people have contributed to it including Nota Bene. I am just sorry I have done so little updating recently.
First I must say that I am not a badge expert. Uniforms and IDs are my main area. The best guy I know for the high end state security badges in Robert (Panda) Pandis who has a CD ROM with articles and very high res scans available.
Nevertheless, I agree fully with Nota Bene's posts. Unfortunately, those V and XV badges of Chris's really worry me too.
While it is great to compare them with good high res shots of genuine badges - or better in person, there are two universal rules that I use. 1) Does it appear to have proper age. Unfortunately, the ability to detect this is really only learned with time and handling lots of badges. 2) Quality. With the exception of some Republic KGB badges and KGB enlisted badges (like duty officer or times on duty) I have never seen any state security badge that was not absolute top quality. Cheap material and casting/strike flaws are always cause for concern.
Shawn
I am glad you guys like my otlichnik.tripod.com website. Lots of people have contributed to it including Nota Bene. I am just sorry I have done so little updating recently.
First I must say that I am not a badge expert. Uniforms and IDs are my main area. The best guy I know for the high end state security badges in Robert (Panda) Pandis who has a CD ROM with articles and very high res scans available.
Nevertheless, I agree fully with Nota Bene's posts. Unfortunately, those V and XV badges of Chris's really worry me too.
While it is great to compare them with good high res shots of genuine badges - or better in person, there are two universal rules that I use. 1) Does it appear to have proper age. Unfortunately, the ability to detect this is really only learned with time and handling lots of badges. 2) Quality. With the exception of some Republic KGB badges and KGB enlisted badges (like duty officer or times on duty) I have never seen any state security badge that was not absolute top quality. Cheap material and casting/strike flaws are always cause for concern.
Shawn
