Fake KGB and "Egg" Badges

[Chris]

Hi tal

Are you saying that mine is an obvious fake or the one from the site. The one from the site is reportedly real and I concur. MIne is a very low number.

There is a difference with the position of the hammer and sickle, this is normal bewtween variants. Apart from that they are very close.

If you are comparing "mine and theirs"

I have seen fakes of the usual tin stamp variaty. They compare nothing to the badges I have.


Have you handled any or is it just from surfing the internet.

I would be interested

All the badges are of very good quality siver and the paterna compare well with other "definate badges I have. The previous owner has cleaned up the higlights on all the badges. The paterna is strong and not chemical applied. There are no great dings to suggest wear but the same could be said of a lot of badges and medals. I do not believe they were worn that much and have be laid in draws for years on end, the owners long dead killed in purges etc (my conjecture).

Regards chris..PS if you think they are fake give reasons..no reasons = guess work.

[Tal Inbar]

Chris,

I don't have those badges but I examined a few. I must say that the "XV" badge looks much better from reverse side...Please PM me or use email to send a higher resolution images.
The "XV" part is tilted, and the letters are a little distorted. The Hammer and Sickle is off center to the left, and looks slightly different in apperance. It is possible that the Roman figures (XV)has been replaced.

Like you, I am not always suspect lack of wear traces - I saw an original order of Lenin (GOZNAK) in almost un-issued condition.

The patina on the back looks good. SO, It is possible that this piece is original, but it is hvae to be examined not by pictures...

BTW, There is another internet source at:

http://www.sadcom.com/pins/kgb_badges/badge1.html

Tal

[Chris]

Hi tal

It is a little unfair to ask any one for an absolute answer with a scan and I appreciate your interest.

I will send you some larger scans later by private e-mail.

I am now going to feed my addiction down and around the bazaars!

Cheers chris

[Tal Inbar]

Recent find (http://nkvdcollect.narod.ru/photoalbum1.html):

[Tal Inbar]

And :

[Tal Inbar]

Another ebay special:

"This is Soviet KGB Badge Brand NEW and MINT condition, and is about 3 1/4" X 1 3/4" in size. It is all metal and has a back pin. This is a great collectible item":

[Nota Bene]

Chris,

Tal is right, nobody can give a definitive answer just by looking at the scan. We can only discuss them and offer oppinions.

I really appreciate your contribution to this thread, you always post the most chellenging pieces.

I like it even less looking at the back, the patina has a very suspicious pattern.

Here's another scan. Look at where the sickle tip should be.

Alexei

[Nota Bene]

Tal,

This last badge is quite an unusual variation, I've never seen one before. Looks genuine. The enamel and the gold plating appear to be replaced.

Alexei

[Chris]

Hi Alexei

Yes I understand about the sickle. There are several variants. I believe I have struck lucky and have a series of very old early issue badges.

The sword is different as well.

As I say theu compare very well with my other badges.

The Criminal Investigation badge is great, it looks and feels fantastic.

I cannnot believe the fakers would bother with this bdage as its ..

a.. to unknown

b. has not got the magical KGB etc which fools easily identify with.... just like putting a swaztica on tiolet paper ,will get sold easily.

I feel you play the paterna card to hard. I attach a scan with a Army XX as a balance.

Best regards Chris

Please stay critical

regards Chris

Best regards chris:D

[Nota Bene]

Chris,

Point well taken about the patina, scans can be misleading. What I am looking for is sudden changes of color, and your badges appear to have black spots on otherwise clean silver.

High-end fantasy pieces are the worst, because it is so tempting to believe that you have found something noone had ever noticed before.

The bottom line is that you, as the owner of the badges, are in a better position to judge, so if you think they are OK, they must be.

Still skeptical :),

Alexei