The elusive Deschler 254/42 Totenkopf

[Aldo]

The elusive and expensive Deschler 254/42 Totenkopf. A small contract badge made for the SS mid-war and fairly hard to find. However, this nice skull has made many appearances on the forum within the last few years and on some of our favorite dealer websites. I thought I'd make a thread with several images as a good reference point for those on the hunt for one. There are two types of pins used on these. If I missed any feel free to post more examples.

I'll start with mine that I managed to find last year

Credit: Wehrmacht-Militaria



Credit: Chris K.



Credit: E Militaria



Credit: Niederlande



Credit Dark Eagle



Credit: Winkleman



Credit: Glock26 WAF


Credit: Buster

[Peter II]

What a great post (as always) Aldo! Here's one from my collection.

[Aldo]

Hello Peter, my concern with your example is the attachment point. My understanding is that this skull came with two types of attachments, the round nail like pin soldered onto the reverse or the traditional prong mounted on a circular post. Yours seems like neither. perhaps it is a replacement, better photo's will help.

BTW the website that sold that skull has sold other "questionable skulls" recently. Apologies if this causes distress but it's always better to be diligent in this area of collecting

Is it fake?

[Dos]

I agree with Al, and i have more concerns about this skull Peter.. please post more and straight on photos with a small lens aperture.

[Peter II]

Gentlemen, thank you both for always being so helpful and kind. Here are some additional photos of it. Funny enough, I have what I think is an original one of these missing both prongs. I'll upload photos of that as well. Yes, the prongs from my most recent purchase are definitely different than those in the pictures above. Also, the skull is noticeably heavier. Man, if this is a fake, it's super convincing. My apologies in advance for the fact that the pictures are rotated. I have no idea why that is the case. The Originals on my phone are right side up.

[Peter II]

Okay, if the second one is good at least I'm 1/2




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PS: these things clearly have issues with the prongs, don't they?

[Peter II]

Here are the two side-by-side. While they look very much alike, there are some subtle differences, aren't there? So the one with only one prong is not an accepted variant? It's funny, in person it looks so convincingly real.

[Aldo]

Hello Peter, the images are better but natural light without flash is ideal. I'll give you my opinion though based on the photo's provided. The original skull still looks "off" to me. The type of attachment post is totally wrong as I said. The material doesn't look right and it appears heavy. I highlighted some areas where the edges are not clean and do appear to be from a casting. Clearer pictures would resolve this.
I also reached out to "anotherant" who pointed out the same areas of concern along with the nose looking odd. I'm sure Dos and others can add more.
The actual weight in grams would be very helpful to compare to known originals. If you can weigh it and PM me I can tell you if it falls in the range of known examples

[Aldo]

I'm always over cautious but the more I look at it when I zoom in on the details of the teeth and nose the more I'm convinced it's a fake. I'm sorry to say

[Ainuf]

Skull posted above is orginal Deschler.
Limpa