J Temple-West

A superb piece, Erich. If we had a little green Jealousy smilie, I?d use it.

I bet ?Herself? was pleased, Don. Very nice.

Maker marks.

Rump side..

Better late than never? this little chap arrived a few days late for the birthday celebrations, but has made a wet and windy day a lot brighter. ?B?r mit kugel? (Bear with ball) Model Nr 9

Consider yourself adopted, RT-W.

Reverse..

A very nice Christmas suprise for me this morning in the form of this early nickel silver Radio Operator/Air Gunner badge by B&NL..(Berg & Nolte L?denscheid) A big thank you to the family... Back to the Bucks fizz... Hic!

Looks like someone typed this urkunde at a party...Bad typo. Just managed to get the child off to bed. Just too much excitement for a little one! Have a good one, guys.

Mark, Keep watching this space...We may be able to save you a few pennies.

Now that is a nice bar, Nick.

Hi Doc, It's the Ground Combat (or assault) Badge, given to members of the Luftwaffe who distinguished themselves in, as the name suggests, ground combat.

Hi Micha, Apologies, I missed this one. It?s not what I would expect to see on an example by Brehmer? I would have to decline if it were offered to me.

A very Merry Christmas to you too, Robin.

How about a commemorative pin for a 1970 unit reunion? The overall design looks to be loosely based on the ?Panzerkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe.? Incorporating the lightning bolt of the ?Erdkampfabzeichen? combined with the tank suggests a motorized combat unit which would mean ?Panzer/Panzergrenadier? which in turn says.. ?HG? I wonder if the date of manufacture could be narrowed down by looking into the maker. Just some thoughts..

Stijn, The day that you first posted photograph #5 on the internet was a great relief? Actual proof that this badge type existed! It is only through your tireless efforts that the collecting community can at last end the debate on the ?Monster.? We salute you. Of course you have opened the door to a lot of questions? but I guess we?ll have to be patient and wait for the book to be published. Put me down for a signed copy, btw.

Looks like an army pommel. Certainly not Luftwaffe.

As always..Great pieces, Mark.

How about... The photo was taken on the day the shield was awarded, and his brother was at the ceremony. Would the second 'oddity' be that he wears the ground assault badge? Unusual for flight crew.

Is it that the shield was added to the photo at a later date?

Yes it is, Vince. As a point of interest, here's an alternative 'Puma' mark found mainly on Bayonets. As can be seen, the word 'PUMA' is slightly larger.

Great shot, F The attention to detail on flight crew kit never ceases to amaze! I wonder who thought ?Ink freezes at altitude, we must have a heated pen?? I bet it was an Observer.

Indeed, a very nice collection, Fred. I know who to call on when I need a reference.

I have to say that early Assmann are a bit of a rare bird, so I'd put it next on the list. How about the most common earlier type? Juncker or ball hinge?

I think you have it pretty well nailed, Marc.