Jim P

Any thoughts what so ever will be appreciated. Jim

more detail

detail

Back

Hello all, I have finally learned exactly what this insignia is and that it is a very rare item to find.I would have to agree about it being rare,as I could not find one like it any where, as a reference, or for sale. My problem is that altough it is one of the most beautiful,finely detailed cloth items I have ever owned or handled,it does not fall into my areas of interest. I am looking to trade or sell it,but don't know where to start,because this is a very uncommon item for an uncommon collecting area(to me anyway).I have only 1 price reference from the sale of one in the past,and have no idea what it may be worth now.I am now awaiting a reply from the only collector I know to have a big interest in this area of militaria thanks to a friends advice.I really need to know what a fair value might be,or at least a second opinion,and how I should proceed with finding a collector for this area. Any and all opinions,thoughts,or advice are very much appreciated. Respectfully, Jim P

Close up of the back.

Here are some better pictures of the hat adler.It is 64mm wide by 25mm tall and it is silver flat wire not white thread.Any thoughts on original or not? thanks , Jim P

Thanks Rick and Paul.The last one was really throwing me as I have never seen one before.I was really leaning towards hitler youth because of the shape of the swaztica.I took a chance on them for $50 (all 3), because even though I wasn't sure what they were,the construction and feel of them just seemed right to me.Any ideas on there value? Thanks again guys. Jim P

And the final one that I have never seen before and haven't got a clue.It is marked ges gesh at the top and is made of heavy bullion.Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help Jim P

Here is the luftschutz which I have no idea what it is for.

Here are a few cloth items a friend picked up for me at an antique store.They all look to be of the correct construction to me and all the tread passes the burn test.They also passed the black light test. The 1st one is a panser hat adler I believe.It is black thread with silver flat wire.

After looking through all the other pages,this one looks identical to the one dond posted in #232.This one is also a flat back. Is it known how the maker of this badge is? Jim P

Here is my new PAB.I believe it is an unmarked Frank & Reif.What do you think? Jim P Front and back

I'll take a stab at it. 5 rivets=C.E.Juncker final answer Jim P

What is the big deal about being a brick layer??......Just kidding.My brother was sponsored by a mason into Demolay.He thought it was pretty cool,lots of capes,swords,and secrecy,not to mention the Rainbow girls..hubba hubba Jim P

That is the 1st one I have ever seen.It is a very rare and unique pistol.I too like the lines of these early pistols.You wouldn't happen to have a Borchardt in that collection of yours do you. Again a very nice pistol. Jim P

Otto, I am amazed by your story and that of your relative.Research is one of the most rewarding aspects of this hobby to me,but your research,and gathering of your relatives personal items must have been one of the most adventuresome and satisfying quests one could undertake.I am very happy and envious of you. Do you know the other collector who has the badge?I just wonder if a trade might be possible,seeing as you also have a pilots badge.Perhaps he only has it for the sake of having that particular badge and not the history behind it,and would be perfectly happy with your example. Just a thought. Good luck with the remainder of this Quest. Most respectfully, Jim P

Boy I'd sure hate to run into him in adark store room.He might but me to work selling staples,polishing the silverware,or worse yet---stealing vegetibles from the locals. Jim P

Hello Mike, This has turned into a very informative thread.I appreciate your insight into this piece(even though it is not mine).This has opened my eyes to the possibility that these may have existed pre 45.The use of the rivets this way is actually pretty ingenius after you study the appearance of the badge. Is it known how many companies manufactured this award this way?The reason I ask is,the 50 PAB you have shown and the 25 PAB that started this thread do not appear to be made by the same company. That aside, the overall fit and finsh of the 25 seems to be lacking,especially when compared to the 50 you have shown.If this piece were offerd to me in my price range I would probably pass for these reasons. I am not trying to be argumentative.I really want to learn as much as possible,and I only do that by asking questions and making comments.I am willing to accept the possibilty of this manufacturing technique,but I still have issues with the badge in question. Respectfully, Jim P

side and a view of how the comb/vent is spot welded on

Well here it is.When I 1st bought it a couple of years ago in an antique store,I thought it was french.But,no french helmet could I find where the comb had been spot welded on(not riveted like all other adrians).This helmet is also more round than other adran helmets. The holes in the front were a post ww1 addition for various badges.They had no badges on them during ww1.This helmet was made of very thin sheet metal which is bent or dented very easily. Even though it offered very little protection,it was still in limited use up to 1945.It was originaly a pea green with a 2nd coat of darker green added later. Even though it is in very poor condition I really like it,if for no other reason than it is the only one I've ever seen. Hope you like it, Jim P

Nice looking souval Don.Congrats on a nice find! Regards, Jim P

Great little collection you've got going there Tony.I have only 1 m15 adrian,and it is Italian and in very poor shape.Thanks for showing yours.I especially like the Russian M-15 as I have only seen one other.They are very rare from what I am told. The mustouche on the Belgian helmet display is a nice touch LOL. If not for all the money I have spent lately,I would make the french helmet my own. Thanks for sharing, Jim P

Nice lids Tony.I for one would like to see your other WW1 steel.Especially your Russian M-15.I started this thread with American/German, as that is all the helmets I have from WW1. Come on guys lets see them all. Jim P

Hi Rich,super nice piece.Interordnace and IMA(International Military Antiques) advertise the AA sight and other parts from time to time.Sarco inc. is another good sorce for machine gun parts. Hope this is of some help. Jim P