May 1May 1 #1 I was hoping some of you knowledgeable fellow Forum members could give some opinions on the three items I have shown. One is a Gau Essen “SS” belt buckle, the other is a SS badge ( ~3 1/4” x 2 2/16)commemorating a 1934 winter meeting secured onto a marble base to make a paperweight and the third an officer’s metal breast eagle ~3 3/4” (Army or navy?). I’m suspicious of all three but wanted either confirmation or differing opinions. The belt buckle is not marked and neither is the breast eagle. The buckle is magnetic so steel. I’d appreciate any help and comments. Thanks so much! Jim
May 1May 1 #2 Gau Essen buckle has nothing to do with the SS. The consensus is the buckle was produced but never issued. Every one I have ever seen was in unworn condition. Your is a fake.
May 3May 3 #3 Jim, The metal breast eagle is for Kriegsmarine and it looks alright.. Are there any hallmarks on the reverse? I see something on the bottom right of the wreath but it may just be a flaw in the metal work... Leigh
May 3May 3 Author #4 Marshall and Leigh, Thank you both for your responses. I concur that the buckle is a well made "fantasy" piece with a real good aging job so thanks for the input. I bought it off a local dealer who was honest and said he wasn't 100% sure of it's authenticity but offered to give me my money back if I found it wasn't right. He's knowledgeable but mostly deals in guns and knives so I've already been in touch and not worried. Leigh, I looked over the back of the eagle with a magnifying glass and there's no sign of a maker mark. I think it's just some of the pressed wreath appearing like lettering or something in the photo. The more I look it over, I would agree with you that it does seem to be original. Very well made with apparently proper fittings, etc. Thank you so much for your verification and expert opnion! As far as the paperweight, I think it's also a fantasy piece but it was sort of a charity buy off an old friend (LOL). I don't have the heart to tell him it's a fake so I'm okay eating that one! You live and you learn. Thanks so much again for your time and comments. That's why I love these two Forums! Best, Jim
May 4May 4 #5 Jim, Doing some more research on the paperweight... Here is a link to an interesting topic regarding this badge.. https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/art-decor-exotica-third-reich/ss-oberabschnitt-nordost-wintertag-des-schwarzen-korps-february-4-1934-a-800536/ I wouldn't automatically dismiss it as a fantasy badge,, but with that said, I would be cautious to say that this one is an original....without seeing the back... But I wouldn't remove it to see what the back would reveal.... Leigh
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