Hello I forgot to Thank youThere are some really good fake No 75 Hawkins Mark II Mines out there. So far there are two things that give the examples I've seen away as fakes aside from the weight which is heavier than a real one but that would be hard to know if you don't have an original to compare.
The first thing to look for is small "U" shaped knockouts in the four supports for the Striker Plate (flat sheet metal on towers above the main body). These are built in weak spots in the supports to allow a vehicle to detonate the mine.
The second would be easier for the makers to correct and that is the seam on the long edge when looking at the mine while the end cap is on the right side of the body. Examples of fakes I've seen have a crack or seam there as opposed to a smooth continuous weld.
Shots attached show both sides up close so these features can be seen. Markings on this one are "No 75 MK 2" and "ROSCO 12/44". Note its a Mark 2 and not a Mark II due to the late date since nomenclature began to slowly change from Roman to Arabic Marks on things British beginning that November.
Hi, All
I would like to show my No.75 Hawkins mine:tinysmile_fatgrin_t.
Hope you like it.
Regards
Rasmus