Ss flag pole topper

[BOB COLEMAN]

On page 395 of the Ulrich of England book Meine Ehre heisst Treue there is a similar item, in the section dealing with SS Pennants (SS-Wimpel). It states that the 'runic role top ... was available as an optional extra through the RZM'. The pictured item has RZM mark on reverse, at the bottom of the ring, immediately above the base part. Whilst the overall design is the same, its hard to see how the detail of the designs compare, as photos in both the book and shown here are small.

It is also stated that pennants were introduced from 'late 1933' and that size and quality of these pennants varied 'until the RZM standardized pennants in 1934', which suggests that there could be some genuine examples without RZM marking.

Regards, Philip

Another example of how photographs can not always be the final judge of authenticity. The piece would likely need an in hand examination and even then, a conclusion might not be found. Thanks for the informative post.

[harryamb2]

could be a part of a desktop ornament or from a car radiator cap.

[DrPMC]

Another example of how photographs can not always be the final judge of authenticity. The piece would likely need an in hand examination and even then, a conclusion might not be found.

Yes, and especially as these have been faked (see photos below). The example below is of a quite horrible quality, but it's a simple design and would be a relatively easy to cast in brass, polish and then chrome plate and so produce something very close to an original.

[dasreich]

It would be nice to see a bona fide original to compare

[dasreich]

Took it to work and looked at it with a magnifying glass,at the rear base there is a circle or 2 about 3mm across,can't make anything out as really worn and faded

[DrPMC]

The RZM mark is usually found in same place as seen on the fake shown above (first image in post 13).

Without an in-hand inspection of this item, the only way that you can get any closer to knowing whether this is good or not is to post clear, high-resolution pictures, taken straight on; natural light is best.

Regards,

Philio

[dasreich]

Hi, hope these help thanks

[DrPMC]

Thank you for posting the better pictures. Although I cannot claim to be an expert, I am confident that what you are showing is a copy. The quality is very poor, with many casting defects. In the second picture the seam where the two parts of the mould joined is clearly visible. It is most likely that an original was used to make the mould in which yours was cast, so it will be slightly smaller, in all its dimensions, due to shrinkage after it cooled. The finish is wrong too - the originals were polished to a high finish and then bright chrome plated, yours has a dull finish because the surface plated is so poor.

These were originally made for very exacting customers, who expected the very best quality available.

Regards, Philip

[Adrian Stevenson]

I would agree with Philip.

[newoq11]

can't draw any conclusion ...