5 Years Trade Union Railway Badge

[ericlida]

Currently on eBay.
I need an opinion of the Forum members (experts ;)).
Is this badge original?

[deValcourt]

Eric, I have to say that this is probably the best condition I have ever seen a badge in that is this old. It is absolutely perfect. No wear on the lettering or any of the details; no visible damage to the enamel. The screwnut looks at least period if not original. In fact it is almost too perfect, too new. However, having said that, I have also never seen a badge copy that is this good either. They usually have some detail flaws because of the lack of craftsmanship, but I can't see any here. Even the screw post base is not the mess that so many fakes have. It appears to have been stored away somewhere for many decades and then polished up recently. That is my best assessment and hope.:D

Phillip

[ericlida]

The condition of the badge, what scares me.
The badge is more than 80 years old, but looks like new. :confused:

[Alfred]

:confused:

No mint mark or producer mark on the srew nut.

There seems to be a silver mark (head 80) below the ribbon 1918-1923.

best regards
Andreas

[EricFG]

I'd be shocked if it were legit.
Just an uninformed observation.

[ericlida]

Originally Posted by Alfred

:confused:

No mint mark or producer mark on the srew nut.

There seems to be a silver mark (head 80) below the ribbon 1918-1923.

best regards
Andreas

Yes there is a silver mark below the ribon

[deValcourt]

Can you make out any detail about the maker's mark? That could be the "flaw" that broke the camel's back - so to speak.:rolleyes: Without a standard to compare it to, all I can do is hope, though that is beginning to dwindle too each time I look at the "newness." All of my pre-GPW badges have at least a few tiny hairline cracks in the enamel from the normal expansion and contraction of the metal in different temperatures.

More importantly, I found a website last night where really outstanding copies are being sold of very old, pre-war badges. They are even gold and silver plated when appropriate to match the correct color. The really scary part is that some of the railway (and other) badge copies are numbered like the originals and when these hit eBay in the wrong hands, watch yourselves...:(

Phillip

[ericlida]

Phillip
I looked more carefully at this badge.
I think it an excellent copy. :thumbsup
There are several reasons:
1. Looks TOO NEW (enamel) for the badge 87 years old. There is a possibility of the badge being restored, but very little.
2. I checked all the badges of this seller that he has for sale. They are great, but most of them in the same condition (good condition).:rolleyes: BTW, the seller does not say it’s a copy, but does not say it’s original. Only what he says – silver.
3. As I said before the badge is 87 years old and only 250 pieces where issued. So, it’s a VERY RARE badge.:cool: I don’t believe in miracles. :D This kind of badge cannot be $450.00. The price of the original badge is around $10,000.:mad:
However, I bought this badge as a copy, for the price of the copy (less than $450.00) for my collection. I doubt, I will find an original badge.;) Even if I find one, I will not be able to pay $10,000 (if I don win Powerball) :D
When I receive the badge, I will be able to take better pictures.

[deValcourt]

Eric, the price should have told me the answer. Yes, then it definitely is a copy. Some of the so-called "re-strikes" of the earliest Cheka and OGPU badges are being sold on ePay for anywhere from $50 to $500. The quality of these badges runs basically according to price. I recently bought an OGPU copy as a space filler in my collection and was able to talk the seller into a very reasonable amount considering the high quality. I will know the difference, but like you said, unless I win the lottery I don't expect to ever be able to afford the originals.:rolleyes: (And I don't plan to sell it to anyone as genuine either.:))

Phillip

[ericlida]

I paid $350.00
It's little more than it should be. :mad:
I just like the quality.:)
I am not planning to sell it as an original either.