Why is there a Soviet ink stamp on this Minen sign?

[sweersz]

When buying this at auction from Ukraine awhile back as "100% original" when I was a very novice collector (still am), I didn't have any competition and there was no reserve so I bought it for only $1 plus shipping.

By looking at the plywood's discoloration on the front side, it appears to have been mounted vertically on left and right ends. On the backside, you can see where it was attached to something horizontally at the top and bottom.

There is a spot of dark brown hard putty or resin on the backside too -- I have no idea what that is.

Most puzzling, there is a small piece of paper stuck on the backside with a Soviet ink stamp (from Moscow?).

I don't see any brushstrokes so you'd think the black paint was sprayed on using a stencil, but if you look around the skull, the black edging goes all the way around. How could this be possible with stenciling? Is this a fake? I am suspicious. Why would it have a Soviet ink stamp? What do you think the deal is here?

Any input would be great. Thanks a lot!

[MAP]

The ink stamp may be original (or not...I have no idea what it is for), but me thinks, someone took an older piece of plywood and enhanced it with a WW2 skull style I've never seen before

Just my opinion

[KMMorris]

Again, buying from Ukraine and at auction is the first massive red flag. Second is the price which was a dead give away.
The entire item is fake, the stamp makes no sense to be on there.

Morris

[MP44tom]

Indeed, Fake imho

The stamp looks like a sort of postal stamp (Moscow if i’m not mistakin)

Tom

[Composite]

I use stencils.....they’re usually applied to get a uniform marking quickly - you’re right to question the complete “border” of the skull...I’m pretty sure that would take two stencils, one embedded in another.....unlikely. My questions would be:-

- was all that skull detail necessary on a utility sign..it’s a (unnecessary) work of art
- why is it in German on what is supposed to be a Russian sign....did the Russians warn the Germans where their mines were?
- why isn’t there any noticeable damage to the main image...it’s almost 100%.....for starters folk with guns tend to shoot signs for fun!...perhaps I just live in a rough area!
- have you ever left a piece of untreated Ply outside?.....even “Marine Ply”, for just a year or so.....it tends to delaminate

I have no knowledge of WW2 wooden signs....but I’d tend to agree with the other guys.....it’s a great display piece....which genuinely “came from Russia” when it’s time to sell......and if you put that blue paste in your mouth (DONT!!) you may get a Blueberry taste once the chew comes back :-)

I hope we’re wrong.