1st Pattern SS Totenkopf

**ToxicGas** · 08-17-2011, 01:23 PM

I'm interested in this skull, but I'd like to check people's opinions first. I have compared it with Friedrich's photos of original examples, and detail seems to match up in my eyes, though they seem perhaps a little less sharp on this piece. I wouldn't condemn it simply due to this though, as I understand production methods led to variation- so I ask the experts. As for the back, with the prongs, I have no idea what they should look like on this kind of Totenkopf.

As always, your thoughts are appreciated!

Mat

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 08-17-2011 01:23 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Glenn66** · 08-17-2011, 01:46 PM

Details look soft, pins look dodgy and the whole thing looks cast? Just my opinion but I'd be steering clear.

**ToxicGas** · 08-17-2011, 01:50 PM

The soft detail is my main concern also, but then, I'd hate to find I passed on an original for what was legitimate variation in detail. I expect you're probably right, but there's nothing to lose in checking. As for casting, I'm unaware as to how to identify different manufacture methods, something I should probably learn.

Mat

**Glenn66** · 08-17-2011, 02:18 PM

OK, heres what little I know.

I believe the piece should be pressed from a single sheet of thin gauge metal. If so, then you'd expect to see a common thickness of the 'rim' of the piece. What I see is a somewhat thicker section around the right hand bones and around the upper right (2-3 o'clock area) of the skull itself. This to me is a red flag and unless some expert has a different opinion, I'll be standing by my vote of 'no'.

When you're unsure and the odds of finding a 'variant' as compared to a dodgy fake are so against the variant, any concerns means best save your money and come back to play another day I reckon. Hopefully I'm wrong and you have a gem in your hands.

**ToxicGas** · 08-17-2011, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the help, I think you're right. I've reserved this, but not purchased it- if it wasn't for this forum, I'd have a nice collection of fakes by now! I think it's just a case of waiting for others to confirm what you have said, in which case I'll be cancelling that reservation and informing the seller.

Mat

**carlsson1982** · 08-17-2011, 04:57 PM

Show us a better picture in daylight.

**ToxicGas** · 08-17-2011, 10:27 PM

As I've not bought it I'll have to ask the seller for better photos. Anyone able to give a verdict from what you can see here in the meantime?

Mat

**carlsson1982** · 08-17-2011, 11:25 PM

You'd better wait for better pictures.

**sitges1990** · 08-17-2011, 11:34 PM

by carlsson1982

You'd better wait for better pictures.

Heed Carlsson's warning. He has a very keen eye.

Jay

**ToxicGas** · 08-17-2011, 11:38 PM

He has been of great help to me before, I respect his advice. I will be sure to ask for better pictures. What seems to make the chances slimmer of this being genuine, is that they listed it at the same time as an eagle insignia that was confirmed here to be fake. I have bought genuine pieces from them before however... it seems the dealer themselves don't know much about these things.

Mat