mmiller

Since we all like GWLs, here is my offering. Mark [attachmentid=28342]

Jan Arne, Well, I don't know if I can..... but someone has to keep you on your toes! Steve, I was looking for one of these for years. It was always in the back of my 'collecting head'. One day, a dealer says, 'Hey, are you interested in a JFS Para'? I nearly soiled my shorts. It just appeared out of the blue. Mark

And the attempted close-up of the makermark. Mark [attachmentid=28262]

Reverse of P/O. Mark [attachmentid=28259]

I picked up this early Assmann Pilot Observer a couple of years ago. It is not the 'first' pattern that we typically refer to. Which makes me wonder, is this the first pattern badge, and the more common (still rare) version we see the 'second'? That would be logical. Why would ASSMANN introduce a different style in the middle of the normal production-run types we see, and yet have it be a rare and obscure style badge, with few examples known? It makes more sense, at least to me, that this style would be the earliest type. Note that it has the oblong eggshell type wreath, as also seen on some ASSMANN early Paras. Also to note, and hard to see due to the closed pin, in the scan..... the badge is marked with the typical ASSMANN 'A', but immediately below is marked 'A&S', referring to ASSMANN & Sohne. The 'A' is barely visable to the left of the pin, and the 'S' to the right. If you don't love the color of the gilting on this wreath, and the polished highlights, you are not a Luftwaffe Mann! Regards, Mark [attachmentid=28257]

And the JFS reverse. Mark [attachmentid=28254]

Those two ASSMANN DRGM badges are killing me. I missed the one purchased from Philippe Militaria. Oh Well! Anyway, here is a scan of my JFS Para. I only know of two others. The quality is poor, as this is a late war effort. The makermark and rear badge hardware are all JFS. The specs and description match those in the magazine article, discussed earlier. Regards, Mark [attachmentid=28251]

Hi Rich, As good a theory as any. Who knows, maybe there was a firm that was the 'best in town', specializing in the artistry of die making. Their Meister was known for his workmanship. He created one design for one firm (Assmann, or B&NL), and when contracted by the second badge maker, he used a partial design from the first. The rest of the story just falls into place! Mark

Eric, Congratulations! What a find. John, Spectacular set! Looks like all the 'para first models' share a thinner design, similar to the Pilot 'first models'. Regards, Mark

Thanks for the feedback. Mark

Sorry for the late reply, but I've been on Holidays. I do not have the badge, but have only received these images, Mark

Gordon, I have received similar feedback, such as yours, from other quarters. The normal furniture ought to be a block hinge, a catch on a circular disc, and a fluted pin. Examples show the pin running either vertically, or horizontally, in which case a small top hook resides at the rear top of the badge. The hardware on the badge I show looks convincing. I haven't seen the fakers get the hinge, and details of the rectangular catch mounting plate, correct..... yet. The eagle does not appear to be a match to any other maker I have found. Thanks for the comments, Mark

Thanks Robin, Anyone else? And how about the other badges I have posted..... the SBoat and the Aux Cruiser??? Thanks, Mark

Gordon, Finally! I have been pestering you for a while about 'when will it be ready'! Looks that that will soon be coming to an end. The samples look superb. Mark

And the FLL 43 reverse, for critique. Thank You, Mark [attachmentid=27067]

Sirs, here is the last of three KM badges I am looking at. As with the others, please provide me with honest opinions. Original badge? Repaint? Thanks again, Mark [attachmentid=27064]

And the L/18 reverse for inspection and critique. Thanks, Mark [attachmentid=27063]

Another new offer to me. Your respected opinions welcome. Repaint, original? Thank You, Mark [attachmentid=27061]

Authenticity, continued. Thanks, Mark [attachmentid=27059]

I would appreciate honest comments on this badge. Original? Repaint? Thank You, Mark [attachmentid=27058]

And finally the Silver reverse with flared pin: [attachmentid=25122]

And the Silver obverse: [attachmentid=25120]

And the Bronze reverse, with round pin: [attachmentid=25118]

Sirs:, Just getting active on this great Venue. Lots of familiar names (and faces!). I'm mot sure if this topic has run its course, but I will post Silver and Bronze examples. Note that one has a round pin and the other a flared pin. If these examples visually 'cut muster', then I can weigh and measure for comparison. Since I've only a scanner and not a digital camera, it is difficult to get great close-ups. Here we go..... gulp. Mark Bronze obverse: [attachmentid=25117]

JT-W, Actually, a beer sounds good right now. Been working in the yard and now off to wash cars. Thought I'd come in to the PC for a little break. Glad to be here, thank you! Regards, Mark