Is it real or is it fake? Its a fake.

Wow. That one looked good from here. Can you elaborate on why it is a fake?

Its a fake because I know where and when it was made and how it was "aged".It was made by using a photo image of a real one and this was about 12 years ago now.It also doesnt glow under UV.These type of fakes started circulating the Great Western Gun Show back in 1985. At that time the dealer didnt care about non glowing so most glowed under UV.I used to see his table surrounded by collectors and dealers of the real stuff.About 1994-95 the companies embroidering these started to use non glowing bullion.Together with a real one theres very little difference,maybe stiffness or uniformity of the bullion weave done but you have to be very careful. Lately Ive seen them around with collar tabs as well.Somehave no unterlagen at all.I know two old collectors who frequent shows that used to sell these fakes in riker mounts full of them and would just tell those with questions "I dont know-sure looks real". Still they sold quite a few and at then market prices.These are nice guys too they could help you out as well when you got to know them and they were mentors to many collectors out west I knew, thier names thrown around quite a bit as having expertise.They had awesome original items in thier collections.One reason why just because a person has a respected name doesnt mean they will always steer you down the right path.Some of the old school guys are very protective of the hobby and also know what to do to make alot of money without losing real pieces from thier collections.If anyone thinks this doesnt happen today they are dreaming.Another two guys young at the time discovered the marvels of restoration and I witnessed some of thier work by buying a put together piece(mint stripped heer tunic) with some fake insignias as a real one way back then.I was rescued from that experience but ostracized from some good items that passed through thier hands because I asked for my money back.One of these guys became a renowned expert in the field and has items published in books, I hear other experts throw his name out there and some have items that passed through him.This hobby is a strange game,for those who know me its why im a loner when it comes to the hobby and also why im not afraid to speak my mind.

Here is a similar fake out of Manions.I got a full refund on this after talking with the owner.

Another similar fake,this one I gave to the late Tony Barto.

Here is one that keeps fooling people even the experienced.

What a shame John,,,,,,, you have just shown that this hobby really isnt worth zero,,,, Many thanks for your undercover work and good luck to all budding collectors who still have faith in this area,,,,,,

I asked questions about this stuff inre. to any of it being good and got no response!

All of its at least 30 years old! I have a whole shoebox full of the stuff and yes I know the German Cross and Polizei cuff title are bad.

Jim, no original items in your picture with the red background.

Yes, there a very well well done copys out and offered as original ones where somebody has to pay then some k's for it.

GOOD HUNTING

Sorry for the downside...but the upside is if you have real ones you are a lucky collector and thier are many who would love to have them.I posted it because I noticed that the Seider eagles are making a comeback on some Militaria sites and also these types Ive shown are appearing alot on auction.