A Growing Problem

[Luke H]

Saw this on eBay a day or so ago and even I had to do a double take. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-W...gAAOSwuYFfKSqG

The badge is undoubtedly a fake with the infamous ‘spanners’ suspension, however, it sadly highlights how deceptive old fakes can become having gained patina especially when a half decent slider is fixed.

Whilst the badge I suspect has also been chemically aged judging from the back it has been done relatively well.

Certainly this is a badge that could very easily catch out a new collector.

With some fakes now at +50 years old this is a growing problem in the hobby, especially for those starting out and IMO highlights the need for a forensic approach identifying the die the badge originated from.

[leigh kitchen]

Absolutely.

[mike_vee]

I noticed the "escape clause" :

"WW1 TANK CORPS bronze cap badge with slider - believed to be genuine" .

[Sonofacqms]

Luke,
Looking at the other cap badges the seller has to offer most seem to me OK although it is a screen image we have to go on, what's your take on the WW1 1st LONDON DIVISIONAL CYCLISTS COMPANY badge, its described as bronze whereas having a slider it should be G/M, maybe just dirty or over-aged.

Rob

[Luke H]

Rob,

The London Cyclists is also a repro.

Luke

[Sonofacqms]

Luke. this seller seems to be a general dealer and I guess he has bought a small collection, probably at auction from somebody who dabbled in collecting badges and got fed up with them probably not knowing he had some duds.

Rob

[cbuehler]

I would say this problem is already well grown....many old restrikes and fakes that will catch out all but the most expert; probably even then at times.

CB

[Home Guard]

I would have been fooled by the tank badge due to the back looking so good. I am definitely no expert and have a nice collection of fakes because of it. I have learned so much just from the short time I've been a member of this forum, and thank everyone for their help. I now prefer dealing with members here or known reputable dealers.

One thing that I think helps learning collectors like me is to share why a badge is bad. Sadly, I also realize this also can let fakers know what to fix! I read all the posts even if not in my area of collecting, because there is always something to be learned about badges and patches in general.

Terry

[Arnhem Jim]

Hello Luke,
Could not agree with you more. If I may let me add fuel to the fire with a WWII Canadian Parachute Corps O.R. badge acquired in 2009. In all fairness the gentleman (George Peterson) producing these at the time very clearly stated that they were a reproduction. The brass is heavy gauge, so the correct heft/weight is there too. One thing I'm not certain of was how rigorous the placement of the lugs was, i.e. quality control. At the time I recall warning people that with the passage of time this badge could become very troublesome. Like you I would entertain comments from forum experts.
ArnhemJim (not exactly a new member)
Arizona Territory