--dj--Joe

Robert, fantastic images! Thank you so much for sharing them. I enjoyed seeing so many varied things from home life. Regards, --dj--Joe

Colin, good idea! I have a few, actually quite a few I wish to add to my tinnie box. I never did buy the book though so can not contribute. I stopped at the Foxhole series of four. --dj--Joe

Also of no help, I have observed both forms of RZM mark, however it was on another forum and I am not sure about the ethics of attaching links here to other forums. --dj--Joe

The list here at GMIC also lists 32 as Hobacher. Link. http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=625 --dj--Joe

XEN, thank you much. So when red is refered to it really means more of a rose pink? Mine has some age to it but does not appear to be washed out. The last image is the closest to true color. --dj--Joe

Christian, that is interesting. Thank you for showing it. --dj--Joe

In the list in The Iron Cross of 1939 by: Gordon Williamson, it is Hobacher. On two other sites it is Hobacher. One spelling is correct and one is incorrect. Now to settle on the correct spelling, opinions. --dj--Joe I should state that I feel it is W. Hobacher, Wien. --dj--Joe

It may not help much at the moment but on numerous lists M7/11 is attributed to E. Knecht & Co., Solingen. Have not run across another example of a HJ knife by that maker to support yours, will keep looking. --dj--Joe

For myself if the price was fair I would not let the repairs bother me. These items have a long history and have passed through many hands. The rivets were in all probability peened over by someone after the other damage was repaired to tighten a loose eagle and pin plate. Still a nice piece. I have damaged shooting medals where the enamel has been repaired prior to my reciept but to me they are keepers. --dj--Joe

Robert it does indeed appear to have some repair work done. An interesting piece. --dj--Joe

Kevin, Thank you for looking into the patch question. Perhaps some one will know what it could be. I read the forum rules. None of this is worth arguing over. Time will tell and truth will out in the end. Regards,--dj--Joe

What patch is on the left hip of the ladies swim suits? --dj--Joe

I can almost see into the future on this one. Colin has been there before also! This could well be an excellent learning thread. Or it could go down a wrong road. For what little my support is worth I throw it behind Colin and XEN. I feel Gentlemen do and should have the right to disagree! In todays world of collecting simple statements do not cut it! We all have inquiring minds and desire period proof. I enjoy learning and have from this thread and others like it! Regards,--dj--Joe

Colin, the second skull is really impressive and expressive! I know no history on them but can offer you a link to another example. http://www.mattscollectibles.com/stickpins____6.htm --dj--Joe

Colin, Toby, my thanks to both of you for sharing such fine and rare items! Appreciate seeing them! --dj--Joe

Visual assist.

Robert, My best guess is your example has a combination of the Treble Clef and the Bass Clef. (The Bass Clef being the backwards c with two dots). There be the limit of my musical note knowledge. --dj--Joe

Nice items both! I don't know where you Gents. find these interesting pieces. I am in a collective freeze, have not located a thing for months. Congratulations, a first time chance for me to see either of these interesting pins. --dj--Joe

Interesting piece! Actually the treble clef on the Lobeda pin is correct the other having been reversed to form an S. Congrats, on a nice find Robert. --dj--Joe

I also learned something new. Thank you all! A first time see for me! --dj--Joe

Colin, that is extensive! I will take a look but doubt that I can add to the knowledge base. Thanks for posting the M/9 makers. --dj--Joe

Don, excelent condition, one of the nicest buckles I have seen. --dj--Joe

Missed seeing this the first time around. Congrats. nice set! Really like the fire police buckle! --dj--Joe

Wood, the last one you show looks much like the H. Aurich marked ones. --dj--Joe

TonyR, appreciate very much seeing your 2nd. pattern political pole top. Nice photography! Nice item! --dj--Joe