Based on what I have seen over the years I would go along with Paul's thoughts.
The good thing about numbered originals is that you can track them back to their original recipients. The excellent 'Commando Kieffer' by Eric Le Penven has a partial but not definitive list of attributed numbers. Other issues being made after D-Day, including to associated personalities eg to Charles Vaughan. Le Penven's list explodes the myth that original veterans were given a maximum of 2 badges - several received three - including Kieffer himself.
A very useful thread - the number of variants is interesting and puzzling as the purpose of the various patterns is not always clear - souvenir, veteran badge, association, etc. It is likely that Maurice Chauvet who designed the badge was linked with some subsequent manufacture - as evident in Herve's post.
For less obvious fakes there are tell tale signs to distinguish originals, but as elluded to by Paul ... and with respect to all on the forum ... they should not be discussed in public. The fakers will always look for clues and need no encouragement.
Mike
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