Stan

Hi, I am not really a collector of cap badges but here are two so-called WWII Para cap badges I have picked up some years ago. Could someone please let me know if they are original WW2 or fakes? Cheers. Stan

Hi William, Here is my RZM-marked example. Stan

Reverse. Stan

Here is an unpainted 1923 Common Gau badge which I thought I would add to the thread. Most people think that this type is simply a painted version with the paint removed but I disagree. IMO there were 3 types of badge- Painted, unpainted and enameled.

Here is photo of the badge RPT badge in question. Stan

Hi Don, I also thought that he could be wearing the Ehrengaeste Silver version. Stan

Another photo. Stan

Thanks Joe-better late than never... Bob C has recently emailed me some photos of Adolf Kunstmann which I hope he will not mind me sharing. We both reckon that the AH GBP he is wearing on the photo with his son Wilfried is the the one in my collection which is stud back.

And here is one in Silver. I too would like to learn more about these badges and why they were awarded. Stan

Here is my example in Gold. Stan

Hi Robin, I haven't a clue what these badges were awarded for but I too wanted one ever since I saw the same page as you in Purnell's History of the Second World war which I purchased in 1966! Here is the page:

Well, it certaintly does not look good for my badge....... Anyone got a nice original for sale? Stan

This is a badge I bought from Forman in 1997. Some collectors have expressed their concerns about it as the wreath measures approx 52.3mm high and 41.3mm wide which is a little bit less than the regular Assmann Air Gunner badge. The eagle wingspan is 40.95mm compared to the usual 41.65. The "A" maker mark on the eagle is also unusual. I have seen identical badges shown on other forums and there has never been an issue with them but I suppose we are learning new things all the time. Stephen Previtera shows an identical badge on p294 in his book on Luft Badges. What do the gentlemen of this forum think? Stan

Karsten, I thought I recognised that O.M Pilot/ Observer badge. Skip's badge is the only believable one I know. Regards, Stan

Wow, Stephen, that was quite an education and I shall view these badges with a more informed eye in future! Thank you. Stan

John, Here are the scans you requested. Is everything as it should be? Stan

Another shot showing the reverse side. Stan

Here's my set. Stan

Craig, Despite all these doubting Thomases your badge is an honest example of an original "900" "CEJ" Spanish Cross with Swords in Silver. I find it highly unlikely that someone other than the recipient would have engraved the details on the reverse. In my opinion you should forward it to Hermann Historica for auction where it should make approx ?1200. Stan

Craig has now sent me the photo of the obverse to post for him but not as an attachment so I cannot post it. What I would say is that in my opinion this is a 100% genuine Silver version CEJ "900" Spanish Cross. I will post the photo when I receive it in a better form. Stan

One more. Stan

Here are the photos which Craig has asked me to post for him. It seems like a very nice silver CEJ. Stan

Eric, I like the badge you show although I prefer the silver version-mine is marked "935". Dan, Are you sure that your's is marked "800"? - I've not seen that silver content on one of these before. Here's my badge. It's approx 41mm long. Stan

Eric, I am not a big fan of the type which you have posted and which Craig Gottlieb has for sale. His medal has been discussed on another forum and most collectors gave it the thumbs down. Here is a photo of type which is generally accepted as being period. Stan

Hi Alex, No, it's one piece construction. I just noticed the scratched details on the reverse side of it- I wish I could decipher it. Stan