ERIC

Johan,

I am unable to access that part of the forum so I am not able to.

Sorry

Hi Peter,

I took care of it for you - it's now in the Fake Observer database. Hope you don't mind.

ERIC

Its reverse:

Here's a recent fake Observer Badge maker Marked JMME & Sohn originally posted by PeterL in the Luftwaffe Badge forum.

Superb Steve! Rare to see all those 1st Patterns 'roosting' together. Any 2nd Pattern Alu's?

ERIC

You're killing me with all that GWL 'bling" Dan! Great stuff my friend!!

ERIC

Indeed Jos! This one will be in Marc's upcoming book.

ERIC

No problem woodeye -

ERIC

Reverse

If I may JTW, show my example that is at the other end of the spectrum, and has actually held its finish quite well. Definately not the norm for GWL Flak finish as you stated earlier. I did not want to detract from your fine badge John, but wanted to show one I was fortune enough to acquire with its 'wash' relatively intact.

ERIC

Love that example John - not such an easy find these GWL's in any condition - Congrats on another fine pickup!

ERIC

Great acquisition John! A solid example in real great shape! Bravo!

ERIC

Padded Parachutist Reverse - Another I have no doubt about.

Eric: If I exactly do not know from which spring it comes I would strongly doubt their genuineness.

Thanks Jos - @ woodeye, if you doubt the bullion examples I posted, you would be the first. I've gotten nothing but good words about them in the past. All my bullion badges came from a top collector of his time here in the USA, Mr. Bob McCarthy. I have no doubts whatsoever of their authenticity, but thanks for your opinion nonetheless.

Here is a shot of the reverse of the Ground Combat Badge in bullion.

ERIC

Which one?

No.4 Padded

No.3

No.2

A couple of mine:

Thanks for the additional opinions!

ERIC

Your badge is an original 2nd Pattern example, eagle and wreath, with a repaired catch. This is what a buntmetall 3rd Pattern eagle looks like - a comparison shot between your posted badge and my 3rd Pattern / 2nd pattern combo.

ERIC

No R.K., but I do happen to have a pretty decent M.u.K. 5 One out of two ain't bad!

ERIC

Cheers Eric.

I normally don?t like to preview pieces that are in the post (not wishing to tempt fate) but I know you?ll appreciate this one.

Indeed I do Johann! Wow, bang bang - two pretty difficult GCB's to find and here you struck gold all at once!!

A hearty congrats once again my friend!!!

ERIC

Awesome example JTW! You are right of course, not easy to find! I STILL don't have one myself!!

ERIC

Another stunning group Fran?ois, and to a Nachtj?ger! If you don't mind me asking, can you tell me why his Wellington victory on 22/11/42 was so significant? Thanks!

ERIC

An excellent grouping Fran?ois!, just great!

ERIC