Dodgy Leib Hussar Skull

Actually, nothing is right about that ebay Totenkopf. It is trying to look like an issued Leib-Husaren Totenkopf with the single loop at the top and the two tangs that slip under the leather piece sewn to the front of issued original Leib-Husaren Pelzmützen.

However, the one pictured above seems to have been dipped in Viagra as the two tangs are ridiculously HUGE. They are so big, they would appear above the Totenkopf, which is not at all what originals do. Then you have the general shape and characteristics, which are incorrect. The bones above the eyes should look angry, this one looks surprised. What should be fine coronal sutures (creases) separating the frontal from parietal on the cranium are trenches. The nose opening should be a perfect heart shape. The creases around the nose are missing. The balls on the femurs are the wrong shape. The bottom of the visible jaw bone lacks the ridges of an original. The teeth are not accurate, and are poorly detailed. The right side of the cranium has a large inward bend that should not be there. Finally, the DRGM and C.E. JUNCKER Berlin stamps on the tangs are simply ridiculous.

This is not a "manufacturer's variation". It is a poor replica and some poor sod bought it.
 
Hello, I have an opportunity to purchase this Totenkopf not sure if its real, also not sure if it's an officer's or an em wappen? Any help would be greatly appreciated. IMG_6971.jpgThis would be for a busby. Thanks Alan G.IMG_6972.jpg
 
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I have one exactly the same as yours and Tony has told me that it is an original. It has the same three prong configuration. Mine, similar to this one, is missing most of the neusilber plating. I believe that it is an OR's wappen. It is too sunny here to take photos but I have posted pics of it in the wappen section Title: Some New Additions... May 6th.
 
This fine French book on the Pelzmützen has a whole Chapter on the Totenkopf.
-the authors' study on the Pelzmützen Totenkopf results in three TK patterns.
*And yes: I applied this study on all kind of reference TK pictures I have and could find: like my museumpics 'archive', Internet and publications pictures this study proves to be effective and accurate.
-and...interesting and fun to categoris/ze every single TK picture as: #1; #2 or #3.
Just One of the differences/criteria:
-Upper and lower jaw: 11 or 12 teeth...

-what are the exact dimensions?
Pitty the detail in these the pictures are not clear.
This fine reference book classifies examples of this type of Totenkopf:
-for the Officers Flügelmütze. Muster/Pattern 1843.
 

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A couple of photos of mine:
IMG_4825.jpeg
Obviously much of the neusilber finish is gone revealing the brass underneath.
IMG_4826.jpeg
This and others came out of an old collection displayed in a VOFW branch.
 
Measuring across the base bone tip to bone tip approx. 7.1 cm. Height from base to top of the skull is approx. 8.75 cm. Flugelmutze would fit as I have thought that this is rather small for a busby.
 
Thank you for identifying it Francis! This is another example of how our forum membership helps one another. :) 👍 Hard to understand how this piece from1843 ended up in the US and now in my collection!
 
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