ERIC

"BSW" Fake

A "BSW"

Zinker Reverse

My Zinker

Reverse:

Another I have archived:

Reverse:

*NOTE*

It has an "RC" overstamp of the GWL maker mark.

Hello Karsten,

They do indeed exist - here's mine.

ERIC

That's the earliest version I know about Rich. What a stellar acquisition - you just don't see these at all, at least I don't or I would have one! Congratulations my friend!

ERIC

My sister just got back from a Chippendales show and swears she saw him there!!!??? She says she also saw Jos?

Old as dust and still getting around! (not you Jos, the other guy).

Kidding aside....dammit Eric! I was going to mention the second pattern Assmann thing, now I have nothing to add but bad humor!

Why the hell are there so many shots of this dude floating around?

Sweet Assmann ROAGs Tim! Maybe that's him pictured as well in the pic behind your badges!! He's everywhere else!

ERIC

Thanks Bob. I thought it was the '43 edition seeing as though the Flak, GCB, and Glider Badges were represented. Funny how they somehow omitted the AG/FE Badge.

ERIC

Dear Woodeye,

The badge you picture appears to be a late war, zinc pilot badge attributed to the firm; FLL. The hinge and catch on the one you picture appears to have been replaced/repaired.

Gary B

Agreed! Still, it looks good from the obverse and would display well.

ERIC

.... but I've never seen an Assmann with an oblong catch plate.

Thanks guys! This goes ditto for me Jan. Boy, I would like to see the "other" badge you speak of!

ERIC

Reverse

A little slow lately on the Badge front, but I managed to pick up this rather sound example of a zinc Juncker 3rd Pattern Para. Although unmarked, it is textbook Juncker through and through, from the classic hinge and catch right down to the clipped talon. The specks on the wreath appear to be tiny flecks of solder, probably splashed when adhering the catchplate to the wreath, as there is a more than generous portion of solder applied in this area. A pretty difficult pattern to locate in the Juncker Para Badge series. For you viewing......

Hi Bob,

Is the pictured War Badges page from the 1943 copy or the 1939 copy? The reason I ask is that if it were the '43 edition, it is curious that the Air Gunners / Flight Engineers' Badge is not included as it was instituted in June of '42.

ERIC :unsure:

Very nice Joel! What a great 1st lot of photos - congratulations!

ERIC

Wow J, those measurements are completely within tolerance IMO! Your superb shots of the shearing and fractures on the gun and eagle only strengthen your case. Still, I would like to see one from a unquestionable source (group, etc.) for me to be absolutely 100% with them. Overly anal? Yeah, that's me, the likes of the HERO and others made me this way, but I have to admit, I'm starting to come over to the "Dark Side" ! Thanks for posting the closeups John. Hmmmm........

ERIC

I don't mind at all Johann Yes, this does seem to be a hot topic as of late. I am one of those who view this with some skepticism. I guess my main reason is that I personally have seen absolutely none of these "over the years", but just since the beginning of this year. I do admit that I cannot find much fault with these from their zinc counterparts, besides the obvious hole shape difference and the catch being a little different from other buntmetall badges by FLL. If it had the 'normal' catch such as those found on FLLs' other bunt offerings (upside down question mark), I would be much more comfortable with it. Again, I'm not one to outright "poo poo" this because of a mishapen hole or variant catch, just overly cautious I guess to give it a straight "thumbs up" when I'm not that familiar with it, especially when we're seeing better and better repros coming out on a daily basis. You know me John, I trust your impeccable judgement, have no doubt. I guess I would just like to see one or more of them come from an unquestionable source before I put both feet in. Can you give me a weight and measurements of your new example? How do the measurements compare to the zinc one in your possession? Thanks J!

ERIC

Simply outstanding piece!! All the best, Jonathan

Thank you Jon! :beer:

I have to side with Karsten on this Jan - it does LOOK like a repair. No matter really, it was a superbly done job by whomever took on the task - a great piece nonetheless!

ERIC

You can tell that from a postage stamp sized scan made by the Hubbell space telescope?

No Rick, click on the picture of the badge - it will bring you to a much larger photo hosted elsewhere. Here's the reverse of my badge:

Regardless, it is a really nice gesture from a guy who was there! His heart was in the right place.

I hope that I am wrong.

It was indeed a most wonderful gesture on the mans' part, unfortunately Pauls' suspicions are confirmed - this is definately NOT a real Pilots Badge. I pray that it is just a misjudgement on his part and that a fake wasn't swapped out for his wartime badge. This badge, from my collection, is what a late war Juncker Pilot Badge, complete with their "SW68" marking, should look like. Sorry for the bad news!

ERIC

No Dan, it wasn't - you can see why they moved away from it quickly to harder materials. I guess I'll nickname it "Stevie"!

ERIC

Looks like a nice first pattern to me Jan - congrats on an excellent pickup!

ERIC