J Temple-West

Good morning, Lars An interesting question.... I have sent an email to a fellow collector whose collecting interests cover civilian organizations of the Wehrmacht in the hope that he has some information. I do know that the Flugmeldedienst was an independent branch until the formation of the Luftnachrichtenhelferinnen, into which it was absorbed in February 1941. A new badge, or 2nd pattern badge, was instituted for the flugmeldedienst helferinneen, but the Luftnachrichtenhelferinnen badge is what is mostly seen worn in period photographs.

Morning, Joe That one certainly has been there. If only it could talk, what stories it could tell.

Hollow die stamped General Assault Badge (grade 1) by Otto Schickle - Pforzheim, in nickel silver plated tombak.

The catch is certainly not as it left the factory. Could it be that the catch has been worked on after being damaged? At least the catch is original, and intact.

Reverse.

For those who prefer pre-war badges. 1st pattern Pilot's badge by Wilhelm. Deumer - Ludenscheid. Obverse

Of course, you're right, Bubba....Wien. What was I thinking!

Agree with Bubba....all's good. And, Bubba....superb example!!

Hi, Su a very nice early example by this maker.... Any chance of a close-up of the catch...it's just to make sure that it has not a repair, as it seems to be a bit rougher than the normal wire catches I've seen on these early types.

Morning, Stan Great design isn’t it. I had been after one of these for some time, myself…. hard to find an original with intact enamel. So, general rule of thumb when buying one of these: Always go for a “Preissler” marked one; some say that there are original unmarked examples out there, but wouldn’t take the chance. Any more than a five digit membership number, leave well alone. If I come across another decent one, I’ll give you a shout. Warmest regards John

In zinc, maker mark "W H" stamped into the pin on this example by Wilhelm Hobacher - Wien.

The badge of the Flugmeldedienst helferinnen (aircraft reporting service auxiliaries) maker - J. Preissler - Pforzheim

Flattened area on the pin - eagle (top) IAB (bottom) - a characteristic typically found on Deumer products

Catch Eagle (left) IAB (right)

Yes, a difficult task of maker identification going on the obverse…. but the reverse hardware IMO tells the tale. The system consists of a crimped brass hinge and catch. The brass pin has a flattened area at the hinge end….ring any bells? I’m sure that the collectors of Heer badges will have a good idea when I mention Deumer’s ‘vertical crimp’ IAB’s. A side by side comparison of the hardware on the summer eagle (left) and Deumer IAB (right).

I remember a conversation I had many years ago regarding this type of summer eagle where the conclusion was that we would most likely never be able to identify the maker….well, having just acquired this example in aluminium (already having an example in nickel silver in the collection) and after some research….. I think we may be able to finally say, with confidence, that the maker is Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid.

Ahhh, Chris....nothing worse. Going on the colour of the Sellotape, I take it that these are pretty old fakes....or do you think the fakers have stained the paper to make it look that way? Either way....bloody &*&&%%$~# fakers!!

A truely unique piece, Erich...and a signed photo, too! Are these part of a larger group?

Case

Reverse

Here you go, Rob...as requested. 2nd pattern eagle, 3rd pattern (factory darkened) tombak wreath by C E Juncker - Berlin. This example has some slight darkening to the gilding....most likely from the case. I don't think it was ever issued. Obverse

Quite a good artist. I like it. Nice piece, Jock

Excellent posts, Hubert... I have learned something today.

And thanks to the photo Gurus who were able to confirm that the Minesweeper, in wear, in this photo was indeed an Assmann.

Minesweeper Badge by F.W Assmann & Söhne - Ludenscheid.