Repro Reichsbahn

Misc > Fakes & Reproductions > Repro Reichsbahn

There are a significant amount of non-original Reichsbahn eagles available on the market. This page will highlight some of the attributes found in originals and show some examples of reproductions. It will not be a complete list, nor a complete set of examples as there are so many available.

The most commonly reproduced eagle makers are: HE, PS, B, APAG, & WEHAG

Authentic, original eagles:

  • have markings and designations that are indented (exceptions being V and WEHAG makers)
  • are not marked with RZM marks or codes. The RZM (Reichszeugmeisterei) has no relation to the RZA (Reichjsbahn–Zentralamt in Berlin) and is not responsible for quality and permissions for developers to manufacture
  • sometimes have cut-off threaded bolts due to their removal method from the train. Often reproductions remove the bolts to hide the lack of threading
  • Are made from a master die (Urmodell, master die, Urstempel, or Pfaff) that is made slightly larger than an eagle measurement so that the molded eagle ends up the right size after shrinking. The molds are made to compensate for shrinkage. Copied eagles are generally smaller as they are made from an existing eagle.
  • have smooth front surfaces, not pitted, rough or sandy like.
  • have correct makers marks and designations with correct spelling and form
  • only come in bronze for the maker Garthe (and then only 5 or 6 examples exist). All other authentic eagles are Aluminum only.
  • are generally not painted (at least in the period) but some examples do exist.
  • do not have the background of the swastika painted dark or black (at least not in the period)

Authenticating an eagle may not always be a simple task and many factors need to be taken into account. If you would like an eagle authenticated please email us at info@thirdreicheagles.com

Examples of reproductions

Links:

Reproduction HE

Reproduction PS

Reproduction WEHAG

 

Reproduction APAG

Reproduction B

Reproduction J&Z

Reproduction RMB

One example shown in bronze is below – and clearly a re-cast.

Another example with a very interesting makers mark is shown below:

Reproduction PF

Photos of what are believed to be reproductions are shown below and are unusual in that they have a PF marking but everything else about the eagle looks like a fake reproduction.

Reproduction cut-out

Reproduction Bronze

Reproduction Other