German Order 3rd class, real or fake?

[GreatGama]

thanks for the help, real or fake? how much does one sell for?

[Jody]

Hello,
What you have there is one of the rarest awards produced in Nazi Germany and it is a high political award and most of the higher grades were awarded posthumously. That being said, from the few I have seen in person, your award does not have the quality or workmanship that I would expect to see. A real example would be in the $17,000+ range and the neck order would be in the $40,000+ range. I have seen several originals in person and was fortunate to have handled a few over the years. From the images you have provided I see an item with soft details and it lacks the beautiful enameling of an original piece and the rich polished fire-gilt finish is not present.

Below is a picture that was taken in 1983 at my friend Steve Wolfe's former store The Military Shop. He had a rare cased presentation set of not only the neck orders but of the 3rd class that you have posted (along with items belonging to the former SA Stabschef Viktor Lutze). These items exuded quality from the get go (If you would like to see a bigger image these same awards you can find it on page 182 of the Schiffer book German War Booty by Thomas M. Johnson). These awards are considered rarest of the rare.

That is my opinion.

Regards,
Jody

[GreatGama]

Thanks Jody, I was wondering why I had not encountered it before. I appreciate your insight!

[Wagriff]

Leave it to Steve Wolfe to have a Set of them!

[Erich S]

The Wolfe set came from a vet who walked into a gun shop in 60's with them to sell.

[youthcollector1]

Leave it to Steve Wolfe to have a Set of them!

Indeed, thank you Jody for posting that image, it's breathtaking.

[harryamb2]

another weske copy imo.