JBeltram

Hello Gordon, I really love your new book. I have book #61. I got it on December 26, and have so far looked at it every day. Happy New Year! Regards, Jody

Hi Gordon, Great clip and it does have some for everyone-both KM and Luftwaffe collectors. BTW, I have been enjoying my Christmas break reading your new book. Your Friend, Jody Happy New Year from Arizona!

Hello, I will order mine today. Jody

Hi Gordon, I agree, I think they made a great Auxiliary Cruisers badge. This is my example and it is hallmarked Schwerin Berlin. Regards, Jody

Hello folks, In my opinion, I think Schwerin Berlin made a great Destroyers badge. I have a very early example in my collection and it is still one of my favorite badges. Here is my piece. I think it is really beautiful. Regards, Jody

Hi Marc, You have some beauties there. Before long you will be caught up with me. May I ask, what is the new badge you have added? Regards, Jody

Hello Gilbert, I must say I do not like that badge at all. As Gordon says it is too soft in details and the maker mark is too deep and incorrect in size. I know of several just like this for sale here in Arizona, and from the ones I have held they are no good. The badge you have in the photo I would not be happy with. Compare to the original U-boats in the photo supplied by John (my badge is the one on the left w/red background and C catch). This badge was obtained from a 9th US Infantry vet. The stamping of the maker mark alone would cause me great concern. Regards, Jody

Hello, I am getting into this thread late, but the clasp is bad. It does match up to the reproduction that was sent to me on approval by another collector. The missing feet were the first things that I noticed. If you could get a refund, I would sure return it. Regards, Jody Here is my original bronze clasp with the feet.

Hello Prosper, Great little collection. I really like S-boot badges. The AS S-boot is one of my favorites and they do hold their finish. Regards, Jody

Here is a better shot of the hallmark. Jody

Hello Giorgio, The badge also looks good to me and looks like my original example. Regards, Jody

Hello Gordon, I have looked a long time to find a clasp like this. I like my Kriegsmarine badges as mint to near mint as possible and this bronze clasp should fit the bill nicely. Once again, thank you for your imput. Regards, Jody

Here is the center close-up.

Here is the hinge. It appears the edges of the block that is part of the clasp has been filed on both sides.

Here is the reverse of the clasp.

Here is the reverse. Jody

Hello folks, I have put on lay-away with Bill Shea this bronze U-boat clasp. It has a heck of a finsih still left on it. Accodrding to Bill the clasp has a dark patina to it with the edges of the leaves showing a glint of wear. I guess it shows up too bright in the photo. Any opinions? Regards, Jody

Hello, First of all great thread. Even though it is Imperial, I think it should be included, here is an original Walther Schott hallmark as found on an Imperial U-boat badge. As I understand Schott was the designer of the badge, not the maker (probably Juncker). Regards, Jody

Hello, Great eagle and I would also love to hang it over my fire place. I wonder what type of wall stud you would need for that thing? Seriously, I am also amazed that it hasn't been salvaged until now. When I was in high school I had a Latin teacher named Geneva Hahn and in 1939 she lived with her parents in Montevideo(they taught at a university there). Well she was an eyewitness to the big event and even took some pictures of the Graf Spee. Ms. Hahn used to have the photographs in her classroom and I always wanted a copy of them. She has since passed away and I bet the photographs were pitched. Regards, Jody

Hello Gordon, The book looks beautiful! I can't wait until it comes out! Regards, Jody

Hello, No not really, I was mainly in contact with him via his son. Michael and I exchanged Christmas cards, e-mails, and letters. Regards, Jody

Here is the interior shot of the document. If you wish, I will post some more images later. Jody

Here is the casement for his Oakleaves. Jody

Hello folks, Back in the 1990's I was contacted by the Erich Topp family and asked to help with trying to locate items stolen from Mr. Erich Topp. I had these stolen items listed on my old web-site Beltram's German Militaira. Sadly, none of it was ever found and returned. The Topp family sent me photographs and Erich Topp himself sent me an autographed photo of himself which was very kind. Now that Mr. Topp has pased (age 91 on Dec 26, 2005), I would like to share a few of the photos so that we can remember what a great historical figure and person he truly was. Rest in peace Mr. Topp. Regards, Jody Here is his autographed photo. A favorite in my collection.

Here is the reverse. It looks like KM backing to me. Jody