Reini

And here is the new Deumer in a case I already had. Best Kurt

Marcus, Sorry for the delay , but here is a front on shot of the clasp to the Pilot/Observer Case , as requested. If there are any other angles wanted , just ask. I tried to take the base out , but it is still stuck fast to the material that covers the spring mechanism. Hope this helps! Best Kurt

Thanks , guys! As for the holes. Sometimes , at a so-called 'hinge' , as one might call the connection between the leaves and the wreath , the strength can actually be increased by adding the holes. This will increase the amount of stress and deflection that the area can withstand without failing. If the badge makers determined that the highest stress would occur in that area , they might have added the holes to actually try and prevent breakage. Just a thought. Best Kurt

...and open...thanks! Kurt

back...

The last is a gold Aufklaerer...

and open...

...reverse...there seems to be a repair on the back of the wreath...

Next the gold bomber. This is the only one I have any doubts about.

and open...

reverse...

Hello, I've received these unmarked clasps with some badges and was hoping for some help. I am fairly certain they are genuine. Are all three zink? I think the Aufklaerer and Fighter are , but the Bomber lacks the backing plate on the hinge. As always , I thank everyone for their input. Best Kurt The first is the bronze fighter:

Ahhhh...this ain't happenin'. I'll give it another try tonite after a few drinks , but Kurt's hands and eyes just refuse to work together on this right now. Not easy without a stand , but I don't think that would help much. Best Kurt

I will give it another try. Kurt

I can't make it work thru the loupe. Do you have any tips on how to do that? This photo is about the best I can do. I can say that the top and bottom of the mark in question are slightly flattened , whereas I usually expect a scratch to have pointed ends. Also , the finish on the back of the badge can be seen under the loupe to extend into the depths of the mark , leading me to believe that if it is a scratch , it must have happened early in the badge's life. I still can't tell for sure. Best Kurt

...and a close-up of the '1'. Thanks! Kurt

...the reverse...

I've just added one of the wonderful Deumers myself. It is one of my favorites! A friend pointed out to me that there is a '1' beneath the left rivet and , sure enough , what looked like a scratch seems to be a '1' under a loupe. Does anyone know the significance of this? As always , thanks for any help! Best Kurt

I am still unsure of the material used. Here are two closeups showing what appears to be blackening on the undersides of the bolts. Would the silver version have this? There appears to be little or no wear on the eagle. If the blackening was ever present on it , it must have just come off over time. There is no base metal showing that I can detect. Thanks again! Best Kurt

Thanks for all of the info. I've taken a few more shots. The first is the front from a lightly different angle. I am sure this is a first pattern.

I've heard they also have a few of Hitler's artworks there. I can only imagine what else they have squirrled away. That's not a very far drive for me. I may look into taking a trip. I love Luft badges , but these GPBs really tell the story for me. Plus , I think the 30MM is the finest all TR badges. Just amazing workmanship and color , in my opinion. I've lucked into mine and could never afford today's prices. The case was not cheap , but a friend's help doubtlessly saved me a buck or two. I shiver at the thought of what a dealer would charge. I would consider four of these an accomplishment , regardless of whether they are matched. Finding a realistically priced GPB that isn't sold seems impossible. I blame Schindler and he didn't even have one! Best Kurt

Paul, From what I understand , each recipient was given at least one 24MM badge for civilian wear and a 30MM for military wear. I have seen up to 6 (three pairs) with the same badge number. I know , too , that many had to be repaired , so I assume many were also lost or found to be beyond repair , and were therefore replaced. I have a feeling that if a member requested more badges , if would happen one way or another. If one had several uniforms , he might want extra badges , and I am sure some members acquired extras just for convenience. Best Kurt

Paul, Yes , the number on the badge is the recipient's NSDAP membership number. Good luck finding your Great Grandfather's badge! Definitely a tall order , but stranger things have happened , I'm sure. Best Kurt

Thanks , ERIC , that helps. I was expecting a heavier , more brassy badge , as I've never owned one of these Junckers before. It's named , too , but I can't make out all of the letters yet. Best Kurt

...and the reverse. Thanks again! Best Kurt