FAKE World War II Allied Cloth, Bullion & Metal Wings

[Steven M]

This thread is not about trashing the individual who may be selling the wings we post, it is about educating ourselves so when we do see them on sites, we can steer clear of them. There is a lot of deliberate "crookery" that happens - true, however sellers in some cases may really not know that what they are selling is bad. As Oddball would say "Don't hit me with them negative vibes man".


Please post examples of fakes, and explain the differences to be found in the fake and real example if at all possible. It helps to know why...



Steve...(Walkwolf), you can have the honor of posting the first as I no longer collect WWII wings. I do however have some reference photos of fake ones, but I have to find them.

[Walkwolf]

I may not be the first, as It will take time for me to post photos.

Restrikes fall into this category as well as modern or current wings........





Regards,



Steve.

[Walkwolf]

Here are some fakes of WWII style wings.
All of these are cast and undersized - just under 3"- the Aerial Gunner is only 2.75". They all have uneven surfaces, "bubbles", incorrect lettering and lack of fine detail.... Some of the pin and catch arrangements have been installed wrong also........Where there should be crisp 90 degree edges
with die-shear marks, these are all round and dimpled.

[Walkwolf]

Lack of detail is evident.....

[Walkwolf]

All pins and catches are the same "generic" type.......
The tip of the pin should normally be covered by the clasp
so it wouldn't get caught on clothing or skin....

[Walkwolf]

This set of N.S.Meyer wings may be of post-war manufacture.
They seem to have simulated toning applied.....

[Walkwolf]

An original "A.E.Co." wing for comparison. This is the most common pattern of
USAAF wings, designed in the 1920's and called the "smooth" "slick" or "Adams" pattern.

The edges and surfaces are a lot more even on genuine wings, although this one
has a flaw caused by a fracture or a fragment of metal in the die during the stamping process.

I've named this wing "Maguire No.5" as it is the actual wing featured on page 78 in
Jon A. Maguires book "Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens" - a great reference
book on WWII AAF insignia, uniforms and flight gear.....

[Walkwolf]

These are all "post-war" wings. Any wings with an alpha-numeric code on them
are of more recent manufacture from the 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's........

The "Senior Navigator" wing in the center is my first wing, purchased in the late 70's.......

[Walkwolf]

Wings made of brass or bronze alloy and marked "1/20th silver filled" are from the 1960's and 70's.....

[Walkwolf]

RAF cloth wings !

Top two are common WWII period examples, the other three are current replicas.
You can see the differences in the thread material used !

The one on the upper right (not the sweetheart pin!) is most probably a post-war
"Kings Crown" late 40's early 50's unpadded version....

I hope this thread helps some of you.....
There are so many variations of wing badges !







Regards,






Steve.