FAKE!, Fantasy & Reproduction Wing Examples

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Available on eBay for $350 is this modern restrike of a very rare LGB/Balfour Technical Observer wing. It is pretty close to the original since it has been restruck from LGB dies. It is not a period manufactured wing. The tells are the overall finish of the badge, the pebbly finish on the back and the LGB STER hallmark. LGB wings were never marked STER. Compare to an original example here: http://ww2wings.com/wings/usaaf/technicalobserver/rwlgbto.shtml

 

[5thwingmarty]

These can be really deceptive because they used cammed pins with drop-in catches that give them the appearance of being vintage items.  Someone had a box with a bunch of these "dazzle-pattern" LGB wings at the SOS a few years ago.  They were all the rare wings like the TO and balloon wings.  They said who they had gotten them from (I don't recall who), but they knew the wings were not WWII vintage and were not offering them for sale.  I believe Russ was there and his memory may be better than mine on this.

 

My box of tears has an example of one of the Balloon wings I picked up a few years ago.  It was in a grouping with some good wings and some bad ones and didn't cost much so I didn't cry too much over it.

[rathbonemuseum.com]

While we are on the subject of spurious LGB wings, here is a related piece. Made from the post WWII dies with pelican beak pattern and the rounded square indent in the back. Terrible "trophy style" engraving style of LGB hallmark. For sale at $529.99. I hope no one who spends time here is fooled by these.

[Tolzer]

Several lots of these wings were sold on 21 July 2024

 

https://centurionauctions.hibid.com/catalog/558417/wartime-collectible-and-military-memorabilia-auction?q=wings

[pfrost]

Perhaps the quickest way to ID these restrikes is the extra long pin in the back.

 

A good wing with proper spaced pin, correct hallmark and finish.

 

 

Compared to a non-vintage restrike wing:

 

[pfrost]

5 hours ago, rathbonemuseum.com said:

Available on eBay for $350 is this modern restrike of a very rare LGB/Balfour Technical Observer wing. It is pretty close to the original since it has been restruck from LGB dies. It is not a period manufactured wing. The tells are the overall finish of the badge, the pebbly finish on the back and the LGB STER hallmark. LGB wings were never marked STER. Compare to an original example here: http://ww2wings.com/wings/usaaf/technicalobserver/rwlgbto.shtml

 

 

This EXACT wing has been discussed before.  Way back in 2011.  So over a decade ago! 

 

 

Do not fear the "Search" button in the forum! Chances are someone has already talked about, discussed, argued about, cried over, cussed at, and moaned to the forum about these wings in the past.  The knowledge is there at your fingertips.

 

 

[rathbonemuseum.com]

It was due for a comeback.

[pfrost]

Like herpes!

[5thwingmarty]

We will defer to your expertise in that area Dr. Frost.

[cwnorma]

I haven't seen this one posted here yet:

 

 

I believe this Dallas-type badge is related to recent CAD fakes of the various British-made badges.  Like those, the feathering is very precise and perfectly symmetrical--both wings are exact mirror images of each other.  The parts all appear to be die struck.  Note that the gold-color US does appear to be separately applied.  It is unknown if the materials used are sterling silver and gold or some other content.

 

Reasonably effective when seen from a short distance, like the Angus & Coote CAD fakes, the better-than-original precision of the details actually serves to indict this badge.

 

Caveat emptor.

 

Chris