Steve K.

Here's my PO. Thoughts or opinions?

woodeye Please explain what you do not like about it.

Ahhhh.....you're the one that beat me to it!!! Ohhh...the nail-biting and the mental pacing back and forth I went through while convalescing, hoping it would be mine. And now the flaunting.....'tisk tisk. Exceptionally nice bar...the colors are stunning!

I prefer the term "frugal" over "cheapo" (sorry RL!).......however, not being a pessimist, but couldn't the first ribbon be two strips of narrow FF2 ribbon folded to give the appearance of a wider ribbon. And, unfortunately, the second ribbon could also be something other than a Griffin order......but I much prefer your line of thinking, Rick! Especially if the third ribbon turns out to be a non-German award.

I think if it were Anhalt, as Rick mentioned, there would be green less faded at the edges as it wraps to the back. For some reason, I truely believe this is a Meck. ribbon, but for now it is still a mystery!

I recently obtained this all mecklenburg ribbon bar from a good friend. I thought I could identify the last ribbon, as I surely believe it is a mecklenburg ribbon, but the webpage I was using to help ID german ribbons has evaporated. Can anyone ID the last ribbon for me? grey central field with thin pink on the edges. Thanks for any opinions, Steve

CHE, I have seen this 'style' of Assmann maker's mark but it is usually executed as an 'incuse' (shown in the picture here from an early LW paratrooper badge), and not just simply as the mark you show. Steve

CHE, That is not an Assmann mark seen on any original, wartime badges, in my experience. I would agree with JTW that it is likely post-war applied to improve the value of a wonderful, unmarked Deumer.

whoa! CHE, is this the reverse of the badge you show in post #8?

Wishful thinking on my part!

It appears as if the crown of the badge is "cut-out" or pierced.

I don't see anything wrong with it, except doesn't it seem weird that the wreath halves don't meet perfectly at the top. Cheers, Steve

Francois Yes, you are right. Same conclusion that you and JTW came up with, "personal preference". IF they weren't using the "swirl" tool then it was something else that didn't leave a uniform impression. I guess an open mind is always best, but only when other authentic construction characteristics are present. No doubt, I'm always learning and looking at badges in new ways with an open mind! Kindest Regards, Steve My new mantra: I know that I know nothing!

JTW I thought I saw them on yours. On Francois's pics, they appear in the magnified pics. My thoughts are that the tool used to make the swirls is not a file, buffer or rotating tool, but a ridged pressboard that was used merely to "smooth" off the reverse surface of the newly formed badge to provide a "uniform" surface to accept the maker mark. The swirls change position from badge to badge but they are always of a uniform density. This is purely conjecture on my part.

JTW Are you sure your observer doesn't have the swirls? Please look again to the outside away from the maker's mark. Steve

Francois, In post #14 & #15 I believe I can see the fingerprint on these badges. For PO, the fingerprints are sometimes masked. My rules for GWLs: 1) Original GWL badges may or may not have the break in the circle on the makers mark. 2) Original GWL badges ALWAYS have the swirl fingerprint (for PO, pilot & observer). For me, the swirl fingerprint is the one key feature that can determine authenticity on GWLs. I rarely use hard rules like this, but it is a distinctive feature that I believe can not (or will not) be duplicated today by those faking badges. Just my opinion.

Nice clear postcard picture I recently found at a show.

Mark, Likewise, I enjoyed our discussions. We'll need some "grain flavored refreshments" in ol' chantilly. I'm comfortable with it too. I wanted to see if there was anyone with "bad feelings" about this type before we go further. Kindest regards, Steve

Anyone have doubts or criticisms about this IMME badge? Thanks, Steve

WOW! That's an interesting bar. I love anything Mecklenburg, and I especially love when bars get "added on" extensions to the end. But, don't you think the KDM ribbon has an odd fade? plus, as it is, it doesn't fit a NC bar. Thanks for showing it.....I would love to have it in my collection!

I'm very happy with this new addition! Although there is some damage....rivits being repaired....the level of details and small variations in hand-filing all over the eagle have me convinced this is quality work. Thanks kindly to Detlev for bringing out such excellent pieces.

Nesredep, I'm glad you enjoyed..... Mark, Obviously the eagle is not even close to a J1...the wreath is very close to a J1 wreath but some details are different (that which can only be created by a different die). Hand-filed details are different....wing feather cut-outs on the back and the space between the legs is larger. Hinge does not bother me, since the other example has the same hinge. Rivits...well, not something I like to see. The lines on the back of the eagle are something that should be compared closely also......I'll compare them and other details when it arrives. Cheers, Steve

Pictures courtesy of Detlev Niemann. For some reason they were pulled after about an hour.

So, after nearly 6 years or so, waiting for a another IMME pilot badge in aluminum to appear, it shows up on the market this Friday morning. Did anyone see it? Steve

The left one shows use of a rivit on the back to supposedly secure the bird, but I believe the bird is NOT seperately applied. Details to the trickery employed are fascinating!!