Flak88

I have the EXACT one to the same unit but it is blank. No clue if it is good.

Paul, I have been traveling so this has been my first opportunity to see this. Words fail me! After writing about him in my book I really love seeing the uniform. So amazing - one lucky friend you have as I would give anything just to see it in person let alone own it. The PINNACLE for any Flak lover! Marc

LOVE IT! Can we see the badge?

Gents, The Flak book is now available for preorders of the limited edition ONLY. If you would like a signed leather limited edition please send an e-mail to Dietrich Maerz, but for a standard just wait as there will be plenty of those: dmaerz@ironcross1939.com Here is the book flyer: http://www.ironcross1939.com/flak_badge.htm NO PAYMENTS until the books are shipped. Delivery sometime in the late spring. Thanks! Marc

I am so jealous!!!

Is there any possibility they got back in business between 12/44-5/45? Their factory was rubble, the dies must have been lost - or was it possible? Their new office was in the western zone making West German awards. God knows they were out of the eastern zone for good...

Thanks Jay - all good info! I find the Schwerin bit quite interesting. Too bad we have so many forums - seems all the good bits n bobs get placed a bit about! Raises one major question for me - why change your mm? Other firms did it. Brehmer had two for the Tombak and then went GB. Why make a change? Stamp wearing a bit? We all know the Juncker mm was poor, and they had come off the CEJ mm. Any thoughts?

Gents, I have been reviewing the state of play on our understanding of the SW68 markings and would like to see if there are any thoughts out there. Generally agreed upon: 1) The SW68 is a good marking (of this I am 100% certain) 2) The SW68 is the last marking used by Juncker (based on Flaks I can say this marking is only seen on the third and final pattern Flak badge) Questions I have: 1) WHY did they change the mm? 2) Could it have been because they were producing after the factory was bombed in 1944 and they added the 68 to mmeorialize the old address? This is romantic, but can we believe and dies survived and they continued post-44? 3) Is there any other info out there on the 68 marking? Discuss. Thanks! Marc

Hoping you can ID the recipient of my 1870 EK1. Name scratched into the reverse looks like SAMOW or something like it...

Does anyone have any info on General Jurgen Schmidt, 1870EK2, "Spicheren," "Beau La Rolande," next to "Gravelotte-St.Privat," "Beaumont," "Sedan" bars, 1866 Koeniggraetz Cross; 1864 War Commemorative Medal; China Commemorative Medal in Steel for non-combattants; 1897 Centenary Medal, Saxon Duchies: Ernestine Ducal House Order: 2nd model Knight Cross 2nd class.

This is just amazing - I need a beer

Superb - I love your focus! MArc

Gotta love the holes from the capture! She looks great - much of her is original. The bow planes are replacements, the interior floor was replaced, and some of the interior came from other boats. The observation periscope is original, but the attack scope has not been found. Marc

The small conning tower is to teach the principles of periscopes. the tour inside is the best part! But no cameras... Marc

What is the earliest Flak Award document or soldbuch/wehrpass entry you have? Anyone earlier than August 1941? Thanks! Marc

Just back from Chicago and the best part was the U-505. Even my 6-yr old daughter said it was her favorite part of the whole trip! My wife was blown away. After reading every book on the U-505 I was awed to walk around the corner and see her - what a glorious presentation! The tour is well done. Though it focuses, naturally, on the capture, it was tastefully presented and the Germans were not demonized. The tour is well worth the extra $5, but you better get there first thing, or better yet, but tickets ahead. She was sold out in the first hour and the tickets are all timed. What a beauty she is. Too bad there are so few left I can count them on one hand... I brought my new Canon lens with me. All these shots are WITHOUT flash. They were shot at ISO 1600, which required some noise-reduction work post-production, but I think they came out great. The flash washed out the atmospheric lighting and I love non-flash photography.

Well, this will be interesting after the auction...sorry if I blew the protocol. Marc

Oh - sorry...did not know that. Marc

Well, Hermann Historica has some AMAZING stuff, including the pilot badge of the Red baron himself! I guess it survived ze crash? Anyway, can we ID this guy? Marc

Fabulous layout of items - makes a great statement. I especially love the Luxenberg wings! Marc

Scott, That is HOT! Marc

WOW!

Paul, This one took me a YEAR! But a book on CCC and RKs will also be out this year in the series. Marc

Does the badge look familiar???

Gents, It is my pleasure to give you a glimpse of how the Flak Book is progressing. I know I have often asked for help, and many have been very generous with their collections and time. Keep your eyes here for further info: www.heukemes.com and as soon as the book is ready I will post more info here. Hopefully the SOS will bring some neat additions to the book! Regards, Marc PS - Making a graphic of the book made some of the images below a little weird. It will all look very smooth when printed.