Erik Krogh

Peter, Your 11th Flotilla badge is almost identical to one Thomas Huss sold awhile ago with the exception of the pin. Thomas' pin was horizontal as opposed to your vertical one, and the catch was different from yours. The obverse looks identical, and the enamel on your example looks period to me. My opinion is that your badge is a period original. Best Regards, Erik

As Norm already noted, both U-Boat badges are repros. The most obvious tipoffs for me are: the pin and reverse hardware on the clasp are all wrong, and "JMME" never made U-Boat (or any other KM) badges. All the Best, Erik

Gordon and Norm, Thank you both very much for your feedback. Thanks to you, the variant MS has migrated from the fake box to the Schwerin case. I have looked at the "missing" period after "AUSF" on my badge, and it is virtually non-existent, albeit discolored where it would be expected to be. Possibly a victim of the vaulting process? Norm, that is quite a nice taxonomy that you have developed. There is a wealth of information residing in books and on the web. Next time I will perform a better literature search (this really is an academic pursuit) before posting, because the answer may already be out there. Now, back to the fake box to see if I can reinstate any other pieces... All the Best, Erik

The trigger that caused me to reexamine this badge is that the new English version of Sascha Weber's KM badge book has a similar maker mark on page 276, Volume I. This badge pictured is a zincer, but it clearly has the dot between PLACZEK BERLIN. Please let me know what you think!

Variant badge maker mark detail.

Detail of the Detlev badge's maker mark.

Maker marks comparison. Variant on the left, Detlev badge on the right.

Reverse comparison. Variant on the left, Detlev badge on the right.

I have had a tombak Schwerin Minesweeper badge in my "fake box" for a number of years, but now I'm beginning to believe that it could possibly be a rare variant. The badge is a perfect Schwerin in almost every way: the obverse details match accepted Schwerin characteristics, weight is 24.38 g, height is 54.02 mm, width is 43.38 mm. There is fire gilding runoff on the reverse of the badge, and the finish conforms to expected period patina. The only issue is the maker mark. There are three primary differences from the accepted Schwerin lettering: there are two "dot" separators and a missing period after "AUSF". The badge's maker mark reads: FEC. OTTO PLACZEK (dot) BERLIN AUSF SCHWERIN (dot) BERLIN An accepted Schwerin Minesweeper purchased from Detlev Niemann will be used in the following posts to compare my variant badge to. I'm very interested in the opinions of our community of experts. Cheers! Erik Obverse comparison. The Detlev badge is on the left, variant on the right. BTW, the variant badge has been vaulted.

U-764.

Crew members of U-596.

Heinz Franke of U-262 with Ali Cremer.

Thanks for posting such great photos of crew badges in wear, Gordon! Here are a couple more. Ali Cremer of U-333.

Thanks for showing your nice zinc destroyer, Jan Arne. If I'm not mistaken, these typically retain a lot of their finish like your's does. I had one years ago that was almost mint. I also hope that your health issues are resolved! Best Regards, Erik

Very nice original badge! Cheers, Erik

Ben, Really nice little set! Having the photo and the attribution to a particular U-boat man makes this a special badge. Best Regards, Erik

Really nice badge, Hubert! I'm envious. Best Regards, Erik

Martin, What a great HK collection you have! Glad that the Mayer is in good company. All The Best, Erik

Morten, Very interesting photo! All The Best, Erik

Gordon, As always, thank you very much for your thoughtful analysis and additional information about the DW logo. Understanding the history behind the artifacts makes this a fascinating hobby. Cheers! Erik

Thanks Gordon and Peter! Does anyone know if the lapel pin was some sort of award for outstanding performance or long service?

Schnellboot Harbor

Monument

Photo of the main hall - part of the gift set

Cover of the "gift set"