Looks new doesn't it?! Note the strange box stitching.

NOTE SHINY NEW STUD
The stitching on this one is correct, but the retaining strap stud is non-German looking and is INDIA NEW!


Look at the stud - this one is very convincing. Most will have a little bit of patina on them or if close to unissued a grey zinc coating. The studs are hard to fake! Since this stud is the best ever seen, we're wondering if some were found in storage "using period correct materials" ? Note white stitching running the length of, and just on the top of the pouch.This is not correct.

Real AK Frogs straps were never bent over and sewn like this!

The hole should be oval and not round! The pouch on this one is too short as well.

Fake frog with purple RBN numbers. RBN numbers can be found on AK frogs, however the only known legitimate RBN number found on AK frogs is 0/5357/6178
Fred Marut states that the ink for the RBN number should be green and, done poorly, be very hard to make out. A clear RBN stamp should send up a warning signal! Known manufacturers stamps according to Anthony Carters BAYONET BELT FROG book are:
Offermann - Bensberg 1942
L Krumm - Langhardt - 1942
ftq - Magdeburg - 1942 (LAGO - Magdeburg)

In short, If it looks too good to be true it probably is! Special thanks to members of the BCN for educating me on AK frogs and motivating me to do this page. Special thanks to: Fred Marut, Jim Maddox Capt USN (RET), Jack Schrader, Anthony Carter (Author of German Bayonet Belt Frogs (If you need the book it's a super investment - email tharstonpress@netmatters.co.uk), Lance Adams, Ron Riede, and Bill Kish.

Here are two REAL AK FROGS. Note the stitching and oval hole on the pouch.

Notice the faint ink stamp on the original above. This is good (and typical) if any inkstamp is present. Very few have been found with legible marks. AK frogs come in an assortment of colors and shades, but the rarest of all is the BLUE LUFTWAFFE. (Thanks to Len Scibilia for the tan frog pictures)

The backside of the bayonet retaining strap where the rivet/lug is, will have "AK" like cloth material or a leather backing to keep the stud from rubbing on the bayonet. The retaining strap will be sewn around the edges and not bent over. The stitching was for reinforcement.

Another view of an original retaining strap, showing the reverse with backing material.

Information for the page was provided by John Jacobi. If you have any questions on this page please feel free to e-mail him at jlsmjacobi@worldnet.att.net

Here are some e-mails John has received commenting on the site:

I received the nicest email after I had done this page by Jack Schrader and others.  Jack Schrader is probably the most knowledgeable collector of GERMAN FROGS.  Here is what he said:

"Hi John:
Hey...I gotta tell you that Fake AK Page is one hell of an effort!! You've done more to educate the BCN guys than 20 pages of dialog! A very formidable job. Again...ONE HELL OF A DISPLAY!
Best,
Jack"

Another email from JIM MADDOX who has been collecting bayonets and frogs for almost 50 years, and is known by all who are "in the know" in the bayonet collecting community. Jim is mentioned in every bayonet book

Hey John,

I like your fake frog site. Nice piece of work. Using pics of three different real ones shows the wide variety in construction as well as the common features. At least this way a new collector has a chance.
Jim Maddox

John,
The fake AK frog webpage was an excellent piece of work, but I have a fear that FAKE AFRIKA KORPS FROG MARK 2 will be all the better for it !!!!
Peter Illingworth UK (For you Americans Peter meant the frog fakers will use this site to make a better fake)

Great fake AK frog site! We should all do this more often as an aid. Craig in Louisiana

Top idea for the AK frog ID page, John! Just the type of reference guys like me need: clear descriptions, commentary ; pics side by side. Mick O'Shea AUSTRAILIA

TMCX militaria said:

Hey, great job on the Fake AK frog page! Good for you and BCN!

Chris Arnold

John,

AWESOME job on the fake AK frog site! Stuff like that is exactly what we and our webpage needs. After seeing your efforts, I literally ran to my safe and got out my only one and compared it side by side with the fakes and more importantly, the originals pictured on your site. Needless to say I was relieved to see that mine in is line with the originals. Whew!! Again AWESOME job and effort!! Hats off!!
Crank USMC F-16 EWO Beaufort, SC

Here is what the seller of one of the fakes above had to say about his frog:
Now I acquired this item from a few German dealers I am aquainted with who spend their time searching Europe for bulk lots. These Frogs are original, tropical web issue. Whether they were ever in Africa is beyond me personnaly I think they were in a warehouse but that is not germane. The bottom line is , strongest emphasis, if you don't like my item don't bid, if you don't like my sales rules don't bid. As you can see I will gladly answer any email query, but I also like to point out to every alleged expert No one knows what EVERY piece of German equipment looks like. Not even Germans, there are hundreds of fakes and there always will be. I do my best to buy only from extremely reputable sources and check with collectors who I know and who are known for their good judgment and honesty. If I believed the frogs to be reproduction or had any question as to the source. I would state that plainly but I purchased these believing they were original and have had my opinion reinforced by no less than 5 independent dealers. Warmest Personal Regards,
signed an EBAY SELLER

(This goes to show you that if the guy reviewing your militaria isnt a member of the BCN or hasn't been mentioned in a bayonet book to watch out! Feel free to send a pic to me and I will have the knowledgeable experienced members of the BCN give you an decision)