J Temple-West

2nd pattern radio op's/airgunner badge by 'Assmann'.

This one is without repairs.

Of all the materials, with the exception of gold & diamonds, used in the manufacture of Luftwaffe qualification badges, aluminium examples are the hardest to find.

Both 1st & 2nd patterns can be found made of aluminium but were unpopular amongst recipients due to fact that they were prone to breakage. The vast majority of these alu? badges will be found with some form of repair.

So, some examples in aluminium.. Both by ?Assmann? (a prolific user of this lightweight material) we have;

1st pattern radio operator/air gunner badge..

One small point.. Low numbers are not always a good indicator of 'Floch' fakes.

Examples by W&L, stamped 100, also have this characteristic.

A later example of work by the 'Deumer' Company.

Radio Operator/Air Gunner badge, made in high quality Zinc.

Deumer's 1st pattern Observers badge..

Deumer's 1st pattern combined Pilot/Observer badge..

Whilst on the subject of the 'Deumer' company..

This 1st pattern Pilots (not quite so mint) belonged to an 'Honour Goblet' winner of a bomber group which was involved in the Battle of Britain..

In its case..

Reverse..

Obverse..

Well, the search for this particular badge has finally come to an end.

One of the rarer types, this pilots badge by W.Deumer is normally found made with parts supplied by 'C.E Juncker'. Examples made with all 'Deumer' parts are very scarce and I was extreamly pleased to have, after 3 years of hunting, located this one...

Direct from the family, it comes with its original, early case. The badge, as you will see, is in mint condition.

So endith the hunt, on to the next one...That's what I love about this hobby.

Here's another example..

"ABSCHNITT OFFENBURG LIMES 1938" COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL. Issued by the firm of Gr?n u. Bilfinger A.-G., Hauptunternehmer (Major Contractor).

Hey, Don... How old were you when that picture was taken?

+...

Bronze.. These are old pix, will have to retake them..

Hey John .. did you show a closeup of your silver or Gold?

Hi D,

Gold... here are the silver and bronze..

Hopefully Darrell will have a little more knowledge than me..

I do know that they come in 1st & 2nd patterns, that there are various makers, Lauer, Redo, B&NL to name a few..

Mine are a mixture of both 1st & 2nd pat's, I suppose I should really get hold of one of each pattern to make the set complete..

Nice clean set, Darrell..

I am sure I remember seeing a photo of Himmler wearing the 1st Class anyone confirm if he got one ?

Here's a picture of H.H... His (one of many) ribbon bars shows the Olympic award.

When the 1st class was worn on a ribbon bar a national eagle was attached to distinguish it from the 2nd class..

A very nice set you have there, Don.

Mine.

Reverse..

A small change of direction.. Made by 'C.E Juncker'.. The civil pilots badge.

A very rare item as there were very few civil pilots operating before the war and with the formation of the Luftwaffe most of them were called up as instructors and then as Luftwaffe pilots..

"Ehrenzeichen des Deutschen Rotes Kreuzes"

Womens Cross.

Roteskreuz Samariterin Abz...

Hi Nick,

I use a Nikon 8700 (very good macro) and most important of all, a good sturdy tripod. Even with the tripod, I tend to use the timer.

Never use direct light, in any form.

Practice & pray..