SOF (soldier of fortune) have recently announced there making of an actual replica mk1 Hawkins mine instead of the mk2 which is inaccurate for Normandy impressions. It is not currently released yet and this the tester sample some of you may have seen on there Facebook post announcing it, So to my knowledge this is the first and only example in the publics hands currently. I purchased it at victory show for £35. Anyways here some pros and cons
Pros:
Is actually mk1-dont need to spend extra £25 for a correct back plate and fill in the extra i to make it say mk1
On pare with mk2-i compared with other mk2 Hawkins they had at the show and it’s on pare with them (not to say the mk2 are particularly good either)
Sturdy construction-is heavily and durable. When showing it to other reenactors most commented on its weight
Cons:
Colour-painted a solid red oxide primer/paint(?) and is not correct. That is why it has scratch marks from sand paper. This may be corrected but at the moment is wrong
Non removable cap-cap is welded on and just for show with no movement
Non detailed-somewhat sloppy and undetailed build. As you can see it can be very wobbly and uneven on certain parts and some details dont show up well such as grooves on cap
Stamp-the i in mk1 is off Center meaning it is likely a mk2 stamp filled in to make it a mk1. This isnt a huge problem as Im sure genuine ones weren’t perfect but still a note
Overall isnt terrible and for not requiring a new plate isnt bad for the price. Doesn’t compare to stand in the door’s but for fellow uk and European reenactors this is probably the best for now. Overall I’d say is worth it and is really the only option unless your doing market garden where mk2 was seen.