J Temple-West

Hinge.

Double marked.

Reverse.

Just delivered by Mr Postman is this classic, early nickel-plated tombak Flak by Assmann. As can be seen, these early examples are marked to the reverse of the main body of the badge as well as to the reverse of the eagle. Obverse.

Reverse.

Cast fake by the "Unknown" maker.

Reverse.

Another Osang.

Well said, Big Papa! @ Kev. If you have a look at the examples of "Osang" badges in this thread, you'll see why there are doubts about your badge. Wrong hinge, catch and maker mark.

I?m posting this pic of Dom?s collection of Para badges, that he kindly sent me, as he?s a new member beauty of these pieces would have been lost due to the posting allowance. I?ve also taken the liberty of replacing the pix of the two Deumers so that we can have a good look at the condition of these wonderful examples.

Good morning, Dom Well you've made my day! When you say "Egg Shaped" for the first one posted, a description used for an early Assmann, do you consider this badge to be Assmann? I would say that it's by W. Deumer, being their 1st pattern series. The use of a 1st pattern Juncker eagle (very close to the Assmann eagle) can often be confusing. So, for your first posting we have both 1st and 2nd pattern Deumers in what I can only describe as MINT condition! Many thanks for posting them. @ John. I couldn't agree more. As I always say.... "Learn as much about fakes as you do originals."

I can only agree with Jos... An example in pristine condition and impossible to upgrade. Congratulations on an excellent find.

Another superb addition to the collection, Eric. @ Kev. I missed your badge..Sorry! I would agree with the chaps, a close-up of the maker mark would be useful although, as Eric points out, the reverse set-up is not a good sign.

Good morning, David Looks like you've picked up a nice example of a 3rd pattern "Juncker" for your first PB. Congratulations. Beware! These Luftwaffe badges tend to become addictive and should carry a health warning.

Hi Les, Thanks for the extra pix. Seeing that this example has a sheet metal hinge, I will put my neck on the block and say that this badge has to be put down as a fake. Reasons: Recently there has been some controversy regarding another B&NL badge, this being the ?Claw foot? flak badge. Although generally accepted at correct (having the right hinge, recessed catch etc) there is a fake of the same badge which has the same hinge as your Para. I can only assume that the maker?s of this fake flak badge have also made your badge. Not proof positive, by any means, but would explain the inconsistencies. I?ve compiled a compilation of the various hinge styles.

A great story, Les. Not the first time I've heard about the POW's favoured place of concealment. On Inspection days it must have looked like Monty Python's "Ministry of silly walks." As to the badge you want to give him....At first, from the obverse, I thought...B&NL. The reverse has me scratching my head though. I think we need to take a closer look. Rivets look good but the way the catch is attached is certainly atypical for a Badge by this maker and I wondering if it's a repair. B&NL has, as far as I know, always used a recessed catch, or could this be an early form of catch attachment. A closeup of the catch area + a side view of the hinge and wreath would help. Other opinions?

Reverse.

Not even close.

Reverse.

Reverse.

Another attempt , IMO, by the same team of fakers. This time with the same eagle but with a Juncker wreath.

reverse

A rather dangerous one. Cast Juncker 1st pattern eagle with an Assmann (overly dipped) wreath.

Reverse

Don, this was sorted out in this thread http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=5665 I should have deleted this one.