juvatwad

I know of an AF guy who received a purple heart for a TEMPORARY partial hearing loss at Khobar towers. I was USAF, too, btw....

How does this clasp look to the members here? It appears to show the characteristics of an original RK clasp, but some of the features are rough. I don't have it in hand, so this is all I can show of it.

Ian

Awesome!!

Was red the standard Waffenfabre for flight? Did individuals transferring from say Uhlans, change their basic piping to red?

Of that, I'm not sure. I have a chance to pick up a coat with these boards. The coat is identical to the one Richtofen is wearing in this photo. I've been told the "Made in Germany" stamp was sometimes put on insignia and some other items brought back as war booty. I think these are legitimate, but would like any other opinions from those with experience in this area.

Are these legitimate? Can the "Made in Germany" stamp be found on originals?

B-8's and M-1944's are very similar in apearance, especially in a small black and white photo. I lean to B-8 because these look black and not grey (like M-1944).

Maybe B-8's.

Ian

These were for use at very high altitudes where the standard wired suits that heated only the feet and hands weren't adequate.

Ian

This really isn't my thing, but it came my way due to a couple of other items in the group. I believe this is for weather?

Displaying them is fine. Throughout the war crewmen used whatever they could get, not just the stuff issued through official channels.

No, these are not model 306 goggles. These are the common general purpoase goggles that usually come in a green tin. They are smaller than the 306's.

That does look much better, thanks.

I don't collect these, so I have no dog in the fight. But do I see a distinct difference in the eagle's eye? On the zinc it appears complete, but stops at the brow on the buntmetal.

Thanks for the show and tell. Being able to compare these really helps.

Ian

Would anyone be kind enough to post some Juncker-parts Deumers?

This is a recent acquisition. I'm not a knowledgable case guy, but it looks as if it's the right case for the badge. Any thoughts?

Thanks, gentlemen. I'll settle for this being not the prettiest GWL, but real until proven otherwise.....

This is the best I can do with my lense...

Measured with the calipers:

Wreath height: 52.7

Wreath width: 42.7

Wing span: 63.5

Swas diagonal: 16.6

Hinge width: 6.2

Length from hinge to catch: 47.5

These measurements are all well within published specs for a GWL. I've attached a few more close-ups as well. There is after all a hint of the "fingerprint" bounded by the red arrows. It's very faint and I didn't see it until I put the badge through various angles in artificial light. I don't see any evidence that the rivets have been tampered with, and no evidence of cross contamination on either the eagle or wreath from a potential refinish.

I lean toward this being one of two things: A late war badge with short cuts taken in the finishing process, or the best fake ever seen. Obviously, I hope it's the former, but I welcome all opinions on this one.

Here are two badges. The one on the left is typical in finish and features for a GWL. The one on the right is essentially identical with respect to weight (44.85 vs 44.82) and measured dimensions. The only obvious differences are the finish, lack of obvious "fingerprint", and a slightly more round catch on the latter. Thoughts on the originality of the one on the right, anyone?

Here are scans, but my scanner yields worse images than what was here previously. I don't see holes where a device may have been, rather, the wool appears worn on the top. Please comment on value, because I have no base line comparison for this pioneer or air ministry.

Here are some close-ups. I should have them in hand to examine closely in a few days...

I will ask for close-ups. Is there any way to tell definitively if these are pioneer or Air Ministry, or were they exactly the same?

Any opinions on these? These are the only photos I have....

Richard,

Nice display, but I'm biased!

Are the phone covers bakelite or metal?