J Temple-West

Thanks for the close-up, Jan. This (IMO) is from a series of fakes that come unmarked and with various maker marks. The comparison shows the same eagle. One badge (right) is unmarked, the other is "Assmann" marked. I also have on file one of these that has a very bad Juncker mark. I think this eagle has also been used on fake B&NL flaks.

Ummm…Certainly not text book S&L. There are a few red flags, Jan. I would like to see a few close-ups of the bird as, from this picture; the eagle looks very much like a poor cast copy + thin swas, or is it just a bad strike?

Reverse....

Hi Jan A comparison with a marked example shows it has all the right characteristics. Looks good to me!

Hi WWIIBuff Welcome to the GMIC. Just wondering why the emphasis on the colour of the helmet? If I remember correctly the Luftwaffe tropical pith helmet came in white, various shades of tan, olive green and blue. Also, having never seen a large Luftwaffe eagle on the front of the helmet, I take it that this would be (going on known KM examples) for Administration officials (Tropenhelm für Verwaltung Beamte)? If so, that would have to be a very rare lid.

Hi Vince The ribbon bar should be below the flight clasp, so just a matter of swapping them over. Other than that...looking good.

Ok, here is a clue to another type of badge that should be a cause for concern for collectors Same maker mark either stamped at the time of post war production or post war stamp to a period piece.... ...so time to check those summer eagles. I tried to find the full frontal/reverse shots of this early droop-tailed summer eagle in gold but alas no luck. Here however is a poor shot of the reverse of perhaps the same badge.

Exactly my point, Scott. If this badge type was original it would have the Assmann eagle shown on the left of the comparison in post # 2. it doesn't, it has a poorly produced Juncker eagle shown (right) in the same comparison shot.

reverse with bogus maker mark

Original 1st pattern Observer's badge by Deumer. Obverse:

Reverse: Maker mark:

As requested, the flak and Observer's badge with the bogus Assmann mark. flak: Obverse.

Next.....atypical rivets. Next…..The A maker mark on the eagle. Found on known fakes and post war marked pieces. Left: mark found on post war fake flak badge. Right: Post war mark found on original 1st pattern Observer's badge by Deumer. So, not so clear-cut as once thought, and not for my collection.

I’ve been looking very closely at this badge type over the past few months, ever since the opportunity of having an example in-hand. When I first saw these badges I thought Assmanns use of dies used in the earlier production of the aluminium series acceptable, and in fact commendable during a time when high quality steel used in the production of dies was a hard commodity to come by. These thoughts combined with photos available, and the opinions given by owners were enough to give enough confidence that these pieces were period. Then one was put in the palm of my hand and all positive thoughts were quickly put to one side. My first reaction..Why the Juncker eagle? And poorly produced! Compare the eagles…Assmann (left) Juncker (right)

Thanks for taking the time, Eric. Link # 1....Any more out there?

Maker Mark.

Reverse.

Fake "OM" PO supplied by Colinf.

Good idea, PK

Reverse.

Peter In answer to your PM…..An example of the Fallschirmjäger Abzeichen by Gebrüder Wegerhoff, Lüdenscheid (GWL). Hope it helps.

Hi Colin Examples have turned up. I've not had one in-hand so can't really comment, but those that have can find nothing wrong with them. A very rare piece if original. My apologies to the owner for posting the badge shown below without permission. I think it originally posted by Frank H.

And they say there’s a recession on. You have picked up some very nice examples, and no doubt a good day out. I only wish we had shows as good over here.

Sad news indeed.

Good evening, Dom A well known fake, I'm afraid, with what appears to be a postwar "Rudolf Souval" catch.