COCKADES-IS IT REAL

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Foxdoublegunner

New member
Gentlemen,
Is this cockades original or an aged replica?. If a replica, what is the indication?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWI-German-Prussian-Spiked-Helmet-Kokarden-/191465230875?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c9437921b" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you,
Ricardo
 
I think it is safe to say Ricardo, that due to condition (obvious wear) that this one is an original. I was a little perplexed at the last one you posted being condemned as a repro. What I look for is colour of the red paint (sort of more like orange red) and the fact that the hole is punched from the back side which creates a slight lip around the edges of the hole. On this one you can see that the kokarde is not flat, it has a slight surface curve to it especially around the edge. See how most of the kokarde is not touching the flat surface because the serrated points are holding it up. I have seen this curve on both original Prussian and Reichs kokarden like this one. I would recommend going to the forum kokarde/cockade thread and examining all the originals shown there to get a feel for these things and keep asking questions.
 
In mine cockardes I notice At first cockardes was painted on black colour, then on the top of black on red, and at last white ring painted on the top of red paint. But red colours have a little difference
 
Gentlemen,
Thank you for your observations. They are very helpful.
Is this type of cockade appropriate for my M15 and is there a way to clean it up a bit (remove some of the rust without also removing the remaining paint)? it is a bit more worn than I would ideally like however, I don't want something pristine on a 100 year old pickelhaube and it looks like I may be able to get it at a reasonable price.

Thank you,
Ricardo
 
Foxdoublegunner said:
Gentlemen,
Thank you for your observations. They are very helpful.
Is this type of cockade appropriate for my M15 and is there a way to clean it up a bit (remove some of the rust without also removing the remaining paint)? it is a bit more worn than I would ideally like however, I don't want something pristine on a 100 year old pickelhaube and it looks like I may be able to get it at a reasonable price.

Thank you,
Ricardo
Click to expand...

This type of cockade is appropriate for your M15 helmet. However, I would not recommend to clean it because there is a good chance that you will damage it further. I always prefer to leave as is. If you don't like the condition of this cockade I would suggest to wait because these cockades regularly show up on ebay.

Regards,

Edwin
 
Yes Edwin has given excellent advice...we are looking at small items which have withstood everything nature can throw at them plus normal mechanical abuse. The kokarde is sandwiched between the M91 post, the shell and the strap fitting.......shit happens over 100 years. There will be better ones and you can change it out if you want to, but this is a good honest piece which has been there.
 
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