The issue of fakes and reproductions is one of the most debated and feared aspects of Third Reich Collecting. It is important to understand that there is a significant difference between fakes and reproductions. A reproduction is a modern replica of an award (sold as such), a fake is an award that has been produced after Word War II, but is sold to appear as an original. This is occasionally done inadvertently by a careless seller, but all too often, a questionable award is sold with the person fully aware of the circumstances.

There is a certain degree of unwarranted panic regarding fakes, because a well-informed and careful collector can avoid the majority of them when properly armed with knowledge and references. Of the fakes on the market, ninety percent are poorly made cast pieces, which fool only the most inexperienced and unprepared collector, leaving the other ten percent to regularly trick buyers. These well-made fakes may often also be avoided, however, as they often fall short on at least one category (sharpness, size, etc). Doing research on the piece you are looking to buy in advance, following some basic precautionary rules when purchasing from unknown dealers, and not letting yourself be satisfied with any doubt, should yield an award which you are confident is original. If you take it home and you are still not satisfied, show it to other collectors or dealers, and get a second opinion. There is nothing wrong with returning a piece purchased sight unseen from an auction or dealer because you feel uncomfortable with it.

Remember that even though some Third Reich awards declined in the construction materials, none declined in the quality of detail. Furthermore, most fakes do not have accurate measurements, and while there was some variety, no original award should ever fall outside the range you have researched and determined to be correct. This is where all that book knowledge will come in handy. Reference and cross-reference until you are satisfied that you in fact have an original award. If despite your best efforts you purchase a questionable (fake) award, study it before you return it, because you will learn as much from it as you would from an original.

Here you will find pictures and descriptions of the latest reproductions. If you have one that could perhaps be included here, please contact me. As of now there is only one feature, but more will follow soon.

Pictured below is a Spange to the Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914 that is believed to be a reproduction. The details look good, but the back prongs are make up of only two pieces instead of 4. The two long strips are soldered in the center and gives to impression of 4 prongs when casually looked at.

Collector's Corner