ERIC

To sum up the GWL Qualification Badge series, let's not forget "The Twins" -

That one's a peach, Bob - Any idea to whom it may have belonged to? ERIC

Me either - I would definately say that your example is die struck as well. ERIC

Very nice Bob! - Everyone who collects Lufty Badges needs a GWL in their Pilot Badge bevy. ERIC

DEFINATELY one of your best Bob! This one is really fantastic. ERIC

Hi Rich, No, I don't see any, other than they might have used the same artisan to do some of their die work. If you look at both firms Radio Operators / Air Gunner Badges, you'll see again a totally different wreath but a remarkably similar eagle on their buntmetall examples. Close, but definately not the same, just as their Pilot Badge eagles are when compared. ERIC

Hi Jan, Great pieces as usual! I especially like the Transporter in Gold - don't see too many originals in this grade! Congrats! ERIC

That's a real sweet Oberst Tunic, Bob! Now all you need is a DKiG for the other breast pocket and you'll be all set! ERIC

No I don't Bill, that's why I was hoping your example had one! Only the 2nd (I believe yours is the first John) I've seen of this pattern myself! ERIC

Great tunic Bill, love the whites! Just out of curiosity, is that superb breast eagle maker marked? ERIC

By no means am I an expert, but I can lend you my take - from the pic supplied it appears to be a period Pilot Observer Badge, looks to be buntmetall, by the manufacturer known by many as "The Unknown Maker". None of these badges, so far, have a maker mark applied, but from the hardware found on these examples they are thought to be from the firm FLL - Friedrich Linden Ludenscheid. ERIC

WOW! Remind me never to forget the loupe when visiting the local shows! (Probably a good idea to start to bring the pocket scale as well!!) Yes Stan, your weight and measurements taken are comparable to my badges as well. My PB weighs 31.1 grams, and, as in JTW's case, my PO is lighter too, about 2 grams lighter. Given the weight variations and the "tweaked" rivits, I can go along with the refinished/reassembled theory. It does make sense. @ John - best guess - a postwar 'upgrade' to enhance the $$$? ERIC (A shame - I REALLY liked this one! )

Agreed! There are CAST BADGES out there now that look as good as this?! That is fargen scary!!! Even after taking everything said here into account, I still a fan of this one Stan. JTW, you have every right to be overly cautious my friend - especially when dealing with PO's. Something, my 'gut' perhaps, just liked this one from jump street. ERIC

Hello Stan, I have no problem with your badge whatsoever. A superbly finished (LOVE the wreath!) example of an early Juncker 1st Pattern P/O. I have on file another early style Juncker badge, an Observer, with the same exact maker mark. ERIC

A superb piece John! An example such as this one shouldn't leave a doubt in anyones mind of the dual parts sharing effort between the two firms. If you didn't show the reverse I would swear it was a Juncker. ERIC

Here's one I have, also signed by Putzier - Part of a much larger grouping. I think you'll recognize this one PK. ERIC

My pleasure Mike Ahh, there it is - thanks for the pic enhancement John! ERIC

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Hello Mike, The badge looks fine to me. Although I can't see a hingeplate beneath the hinge from those pics, the rest of the badge looks to conform to a later war JMME (In Zinc) ROAG. I have one like this in my collection. ERIC

Cheers, Rich! Yes, the overall condition is really A-1. ERIC

A superb group, Simon - thanks for showing! ERIC

Thanks to everyone for their comments and replies! Special acknowledgement to Gordon, who in turn shed some light on the fact that this 'backplate' style actually did exist, and for the photo supplied of the silver version. ERIC

Hi Rick, Actually, the detail is pretty closely matched, but slightly better on the 'silver'. The coloration definately enhances the detail - it seems to JUMP OUT at you! ERIC

Thanks JTW! When I first saw it, I thought it was all 3rd pattern, but when she arrived I noticed right away that it was a 3rd/2nd pattern hybrid. ERIC

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