Busby Skull, Fake or Real?

[Deflatermaus]

I acquired this on a replica busby I purchased from Germany. It was obviously not original to the hat, but it looks awesome. Anyone know if it is authentic or not? Grazie…

[CBH]

These usually have cutout eyes and nose, also the rust looks contrived.
Here is my original to compare.

[Chopperman]

Here is my original to compare.

Every time you post that thing, I drool all over my keyboard.

[Deflatermaus]

Actually, it isn’t rust. It’s some kind of foam coating that was added to the back. The eyes and nose appear to be black leather that are permanently attached via the foam. I would agree that rust would be very suspicious since nickel silver doesn’t contain any ferrous metal. This skull doesn’t seem to have a third prong, either.

[CBH]

I certainly wouldn't expect any kind of foam coating on a hundred year old item.
There have been a few period examples posted here over the years, all had cutouts.
Thanks Greg, it's probably my favourite item in my collection.
It was brought home by a Canadian Nursing Sister and given to her brother John.
I got it from him in the 80's, here's a photo of the second owner, Helen Kendall

[Chopperman]

Very cool that you have the history behind it.

[CBH]

I'll update my original thread on this soon, as I managed to obtain his WWII pocket knife from his time in the British Navy. So I have items from both world wars relating to the same family, and her kit bag (the TK is pictured on it).

[aicusv]

don't like the skull - just too much detail missing. Compare the back of the know original one to the one you're asking about. Also the solder on the pins looks too new.