Which is the replica?
WWII GERMAN BADGE LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER - REPLICA -
The Luftwaffe paratrooper badge has been reproduced heavily. Some of the
replicas manufactured are extremely good. The one featured here is very good but upon close
inspection the differences become more obvious. The badge on the left (picture above) is the
replica.
The key for recognizing fake badges is to pay close attention to detail. The following pictures
focus on several areas where the differences can be found. The head of the eagle is a good place
to start. The picture on the left is the replica. Notice how the detail of the eye and the neck
is not as well defined. The feathers on the replica fade into each other near the head while the
in the real badge they remain clear. In addition, the eye in the authentic piece is a clear "V"
shape while the replica is not.
A close look at the tail of both badges also reveal several differences. The picture on the left is
a replica. Notice how the tail does not have a constant thickness as it approaches the tip. It tapers
to a finer point. The thickness on the authentic badge remains constant all the way.
Another difference is apparent in the amount of curvature found. The replica is more straight than the
original item.
The level of detail found on the wreath is also a telling sign. The wreath on the left is not as sharp and detailed as
the sample on the right. Soft, round edges tend to be characteristics of reproductions. The incorrect wreath is thicker than the correct item.
The rivets are also a very important component by which to differentiate a real piece from a fake.
In this case the replica is very good. However, further inspection demonstrates the rivets on the
left to be less rounded than those in the right. The fact that they are so close in appearance further stress the point
that it is becoming more difficult to tell fake from real apart.
The hinge on the replica is bigger than the original badge. The manufacturer's brand
on the replica reads PM. The author is unsure if this manufacturer ever produced a
paratrooper badge.
The pin of the replica is shown on the left side of the picture. Notice the difference between the tips, the
original piece is sharper with a lower angle.
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