Jock Auld

Guys, Out of the skip, late war.

Chris, When did this hoard hit the market? What is the base metal for these, is it tombak or Zinc? Who bought them from the vetran, did he spread the joy or was it one dealer/auction house that moved them? Are there pictures of his hoard all together or any provanance? I have done a search but there is no reference to this find even on WAF? Was it in a book, if so which? Just thinking a lot of what has be accepted and taken for granted has since been found wanting. Product placement is and was not too difficult with the right names. Did you meet the vet personally and see what he had, have you kept some pictures of that or was it before we were all armed with a pnone cam? Paul, If it looks like a Klein is there more than one accepted maker of this badge? I am sorry I have become so cynical but not without grounds. I am sure it is all well documented somewhere by the people that 'know' and I am only raking over cold coals but it may be a useful exercise for new collectors to learn the process that leads to the acceptance of an award that was late off the mark. Indeed only really being rolled out by the KM when the Army was wrapping up issues.

Chris did you keep any pictures of the reverse of those? I must say I am not a fan of these hoard/vet finds. Most from the era of CG and Co. The Dachau cloth hoard is a good example and is a good way for the corrupt dealers to continue to manufacture of these insignia and then slip a few new rarer examples in. It is not beyond the realms of possibilities that there were corrupt vetrans in the 80s and 90s too. When did you handle these? I have had a brief look on line and can only find two period pictures in wear and one of those was an 'on board' made item. What were they made of? They seem fairly shiny? GIven the likely late production date I would have thought something like a zinc badge with gold wash, similar to the gold inf combat clasps? The navy really were a tactical bound behind the other arms with regards these and clasps. I quick look reveals that between 27 -60ish awards most so late it is unlikely that they received them? Is there a rock solid issued example with the provanance to boot out there on any other site?

Not keen on the pins. Remind me of those modern ones that take the little backing clamp affair. It was awarded 27 times I think or around that many times. You can find lots of pics on Google. I think though what you need is a picture of an indisputable original to compare with. Can't help you there though, sorry. What do you think of it?

You just have to battle through the pages of drivil as there are some well informed people on there at times but it is hard work, I know what you mean. Steve, I prefer your artistic pieces to his but you can't fault the bloke as he sells them and marks them as copies. A lot of worried people out there at the moment that own camo helmets though, as you clearly state, so they should be!

Yes I wondered at the errors, perhaps you are right that would seem logical to scrap it although they could be sorted on page 3. I don't think it is a faker as I am pretty sure they would not have opened the book with such an obscure unit. The source was ok too and it was under €10. Saying that you just don't know for sure when they are prepared to damge decent books for an extra 10 or 20 bucks? I do always take these sort if cheap enough to prevent them being 'enhanced' as you know. Even a clean cover has its uses?

Guys, With todays junk.

Guys, Got these today, not that exciting, its saving grace is the matching ribbon bar.

Kevin, Thanks for the info, I will still try to find a list of the bombing victims just to cross reference and eliminate them. Thanks again!

How do you rate this guys work? A lot of alarm and dispondancy over there especially now Doug has done one and sold up. http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7484498#post7484498 http://www.ebay.com/itm/182215403437?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The reverse of a badge usually tells you more than the front. Lead is normally a big give away as this was used early on to copy stuff although the copies have moved on now with better production techniques and metals. If anything looks cast like this one does regardless of how good the front is then it is better to leave it and you still have your money for a beer and a bratty. They also cast fake buckles, buttons, etc so be on your guard. Good luck for the future!

Deployed the microscope! MFK?

Looks like a cast copy. Is it lead or another alloy?

Bernhard, I was having a google of the Office of the official and noted that we bombed Hildesheim around then killing 32 civilians, I wonder if this was a 'State' response to a next of kin of one of the victims? I will have a look tonight on night shift. I would have thought the town has a memorial to the fallen civillians somewhere. I am sure at that stage of the war all the slogans were beginning to sound a bit hollow?

Guys, Bit of scrap iron again. Can't make out the maker! Home made bar?

Guys, The sort of thing one could buy to swat up on your weapon knowledge. I think meant to be carried in the pocket as a ready reference? Sorry about the red one but it folds out longer than A4.

Guys, A letter of condolance from the party.

Guys, Not very interesting but very dangerous in the wrong hands. This book would allow the fraudsteres to run wild as it is a nice early book from 1939 with all of the important spaces open for new entries.

Thanks for the correction, not really my bag it was thrown into a deal.

Guys, Also a gift today. Condition not that great but can't complain at that price. 1945 dated and a typical maker.

Guys, Also today.

Guys, A gift today, I see these all the time with Bundeswehr markings. Quite unusual with the HU and eagle.

Bernhard, You are of course correct but I had a more optomistic outlook since the pass survived I rather hope she did too. I guess we will never know.

Guys, As stated above. Shame the old boy has used a post war pen to caption the pictures, probably added post war too except the front section. On the other hand we now have the context of the pictures? It is what it is. Quite interesting in that they appear to have been engaged in 'Time Team' activity opening up pre history burial mounds? He was also a horse car racer.

Guys, Entry ticket to an event?