How to Spot Fake WWII German Awards: Materials, Marks, and Manufacturing Clues
The mid-20th century German award market mixes genuine factory-made pieces with items produced by post-war reproduction houses and individual counterfeiters. Key differences often show up in what the piece is made from (zinc vs tombac/silvered brass), how details are formed (lost-wax or sand casting leaves different textures than machine stamping), and in the secondary hardware — pins, catches, hinges and soldering — which are hard to reproduce faithfully without period tooling.
This article concentrates on observable, verifiable signs: material anomalies, tooling marks and edges, inconsistent or poorly executed maker-marks, and non-period patina or pitting patterns that suggest artificial ageing. Where appropriate, it points to non-destructive testing and documentation checks that strengthen or weaken a claimed provenance.
1. Introduction – The Challenge of Fakes in WWII German Awards
Postwar demand for Third Reich bring-back items was extremely strong. Even today, materials from war veteran estates is coming to market for the very first time.
In the post-war years, some of the original companies contracted to produce these items (Steinhauer & Luck), continued to make them using original dies and materials. Such was the demand from occupation forces. Counterfeiters and forgers emerged to meet this demand.
Manufacturers in Pakistan and India emerged in the 1970s offering reproductions by mail order, delivered worldwide. Forgers emerged across Europe in the 1980s and 90s.
Today, many online stores and market sellers offer some convincing copies, often sold as "reenactors" items, probably originating from the Indian sub-continent and Far East.
Above image. Azam's outfitters mail order sales catalogue 1973.
This concise guide explains the common materials and manufacturing telltales (casting vs stamping, hardware types, maker-marks), plus the artificial ageing signs and provenance cues that help separate originals from reproductions.
The range of Third Reich awards, badges, and insignia is too vast to cover everything. There are many great publications and forums on the subject that can provide valuable information. Here you will find the important basics.
2. Materials and Composition
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