Kriegsmarine U Boat Front Clasp - Fake?

[citydrinker]

I hope nobody minds me posting this here.
I inherited lots of WWII badges & medals, predominantly British. Included amongst them is the one attached, which given the scarcity & value of real ones, plus my doubts about the quality of the casting, I think is a fake / reproduction.
The markings on the back seem in order, but the pin seems wrong.
All opinions welcomed.

[Sonofacqms]

I think your Kriegsmarine U Boat Front Clasp has a replaced pin, the originals I'm sure would not have placed the pin obscuring the makers name.

As to whether it's original I cannot say for sure.

Rob

[Ashton]

that badge is the poorest copy i have ever seen the badge has so many mistakes and the quality is real junk

[hagwalther]

Originally Posted by Ashton

that badge is the poorest copy i have ever seen the badge has so many mistakes and the quality is real junk

Hi Guys,

The badge is a genuine piece by Schwerin & Sohn. The makers text on the rear is as per original examples.

See page 752 - 764, U-Boat Front Clasp from The Kreigsmarine Awards Volume II by Sacha Weber and R. Skora.

The pin and clasp have been replaced as commented by Rob.

The only question is if it is the bronze or silver version. Guessing bronze from the images?

These badges were late war and made of zink with a bronze or silver wash/plate of some type applied. The zink over time repels the finish giving a blistering appearance. While some bronze badges can still be relatively free of 'blisters' it is unusual to find a silver badge blister free.

Both bronze and silver grades are very scarce/rare badges in good condition.

If with the original pin and in relatively good condition (with the exception of replaced pin this one seems to be especially the obverse side) it would be worth the following:

Bronze grade - around 750 Euro
Silver grade - around 1500 Euro

However, with a replaced pin it would be worth a lot, lot less.

I would see if you can date the pin to see if it could be WWII era and possibly a war time replacement but of course, this would be very difficult to establish.

Regards,

Chris

[arrestingu]

I think Chris is spot on .

Badge matches my silver version . Pin may be a period replacement , blistering is a good sign . The silver issues are scarce.
Regards steve

[MH331]

Try the Wehrmacht Awards Forum if you want further confirmation as this is not an SS or Fallschirmjager item you may get some well balanced and rational feedback