J Temple-West

Reverse.

Obverse.

Even with the repair to the pin...A superb set. Congratulations! To confirm that these cases are correct for the firm of "W. Deumer"... This example is direct from the recipient's family.

A couple of hinges from badges of the same time frame.

Reverse.

Karsten, Certainly a good badge, but the thing about ?Deumer? is the superb construction and finish they managed to achieve, even on their zinc examples. The soldering of the hinge is a worry, and I would like to see a close-up of that area. Either the soldering was done by a complete novice at the factory or the hinge has been reattached at some point. Going on these pictures, I would have to opt for this being a repair, unless someone has examples to show with similar sloppy workmanship? or a close-up shows a different story.

Muchos gracias, amigos!

Kommandantur (Kdtr) covers both Administrative HQ and Garrison HQ. Each would have had its own number. An example would be Kommandantur 515 being the Administrative HQ for Jersey CI 1940-45.

+2

+1

Reverse.

With thanks to Terry I?ve just managed to obtain this rather nice ?Juncker? Ground Combat Badge to add to the collection. Much nicer in-hand than the photos, the wreath is heavily nickel plated with burnished highlights and the die stamped eagle, although slightly worn, is also of nickel silver. Scratched on the reverse are the recipient?s initials, ?W B? which brings me to asking a favour?. I?ve seen (can?t remember where or when) a Para badge with the same initials, scratched in the same way. If anyone has the badge, or has a photo of the badge in their files, please post it or get in touch as I would like to reunite the two even if it is only in cyberspace. Obverse.

Reverse

and here's one from the files...

Hard to tell from photos, K. As can be seen from the two sets supplied, the first show what appears to be wash on the reverse of the eagle. The second set does not. This is the problem! Unqualified "Juncker" gunner badges were produced with this eagle and wreath and all examples I've come across have this hardware. Of course, qualified gunner badges were also produced in the same style and when the finish becomes obsorbed, telling the difference is hard. If you were thinking of buying the badge (as a normal gunner) you can feel secure that it's an original piece. Then, when you have it in hand, see if the wash is as the first set of photos. If not, and there is any sign of wash on the wreath (as per the second set of photos) you have a qualified gunner badge. Hope this makes sense!

Hi Karsten It?s a Juncker, and with that setup I have a feeling that, with what looks like the remnants of wash to the reverse of the eagle, it could be the ?unqualified? version.

I can't find fault with it.

Any chance of a full frontal close-up of the badge?

Good morning Kevin I understand your confusion. An Order is an institution, derived from the medieval monastic or secular orders of knighthood. Although originally closed fraternities, modern orders are honorific, having generally been created by a sovereign or head of state to reward meritorious service. An order is generally the highest honour a citizen may receive for a career or service of great distinction in the services of one's country. A Decoration is an award conferred by a sovereign or national government for heroism, meritorious achievement or distinguished service. Decorations do not normally denote membership and are awarded for specific categories or types or service, civil or military, by an individual. A Medal is an award given by a sovereign or national government to recognize the recipient's participation in a military campaign or other significant event and is usually award to all who participated in the event. Medals are also given to recognize long periods of service in the military or government. If remember correctly? the prescribed method of wear for each award is mentioned in the ?Angolia?s? set of works on the subject. In the case of Luftwaffe qualification badges: if the Iron cross 1st class was held by an individual, any qualification badge or other awards had to be placed below the cross on the left breast pocket. The Iron Cross series (2nd, 1st and DKiG/S), I believe, are considered as decorations and the Knight's Cross series as orders. As to the question of the prescribed method of wear for the Iron Cross 2nd class...being a decoration with ribbon, regulations state that the cross be worn on a formal parade mounted bar. Other than that, and for normal wear, only the ribbon was worn as either part of a ribbon bar or from the second button hole of the tunic. I've seen list of Orders, Decorations and Medals compiled in order of importance, somewhere. I'll see if I can dig it out.

Bob Recipient lists show 'Adolf Schwangenwald' as being an Uffz I./KG 51. Award date: 1.4.1943

Yep, karsten...that's a nice one!

And a belated congratulations on a fine pick-up, my friend! Was out on the sea, fishing, yesterday. I?ve put your GWL P/O membership certificate in the post?so all that remains is the club subscription. ?paypal? would be the best method of payment of the $2000.00. Contact me for account details.

Reverse.

Hi Eric First time I've seen a Flak with this hardware...Very nice! After much discussion with fellow collectors, the general consensus was that "Schwerin" was the most likely supplier of parts to Juncker. Another example of the collaboration between the two firms: Obverse.

Could it be the photography/lighting?