Rad Cap Badge

[Gwar]

This particular cap badge has me puzzled..
It is purportedly a un-finished badge.. My thoughts are this.. No maker mark visible,
It lacks the "tri-angular" Reichsleitung des Arbeitsdienstes or RLAD..
The "Swirling" as shown on the sheaves does not conform to my vast collection of badges.
Could this be a "Variant" not seldom seen / encountered or a pure bogus piece ?
Many thanks for any insight on this piece.. G

[David North]

Dear Gwar

Perhaps my imagination, however I am sure that I can see signs of casting marks on the reverse of the example which forms the subject of your post.

In addition, there are reverse profile edge features which and in my opinion are not consistent with die stamping or pressing.

Initial thoughts from my side are that we are looking at a cast fake.

Regards and best wishes,

David

[David North]

Dear Gwar

My perceived signs of casting marks, over layered and isolated in blue.

Regards and best wishes,

David

[Saladin]

Hello Gwar,
you don't mention how big the badge is?

I agree it is an unusual example and I think the badge is actually die struck.
I have looked in my darabase of RAD badges and the only one that I have that has decorated leaves as the example you post is from a breast shield.
The badge below is 60X75mm

You will note that this also does not carry any reverse markings






The badge that you show does look very new so I wouldn't be able to confirm that it is good or dud.

Cheers
Doug

[David North]

I will and as always, defer to those with more experience.

Never before though have I ever seen anything die stamped or die punched which displays the ubiquitous "casting bubbles". Detritus fingerprint and trace anomalies in the female and male tool yes, however never those give away "casting bubbles".

My annotation in blue and in order to highlight why I think this subject item is fake.

Regards and best wishes,

David

[Saladin]

Mmm, I see what you mean David. I was thinking that it was die struck because of the sharp edges produced by the misaligned cutting marks?
I mentioned that it does look new and perhaps it was chucked to one side as a seconds?
I wouldn't want it in my collection.

It will be interesting if Gwar can come up with the sizes to see if it matches the pictures I posted.

Cheers
Doug

[Gwar]

The seller states 71mm.. G

[Saladin]

There you go then Gwar it is far bigger than a standard cap badge.
I don't have one to hand but are they not around 43mm wide?

Cheers
Doug

[Gwar]

Never measured any... I have around thirty or so and this one just struck me as odd,, This is a older pic.