J Temple-West

Hi Alex, "Pilot or Pilot/Observer?" With most of the finish having been absorbed it's a hard call to make. Going on the photos, remnants of finish to the reverse look to be white which would point to it being a Pilot's badge.

Well what a great story, dan There are at least three types of zinc Assmann Observers, each having different wreath styles and reverse set-ups. Assmann are well known for using their earlier dies (originally used for tombak/aluminium badges) in the manufacture of their late zinc series. Early zinc examples will be found with a thin, well detailed wreath and hinge attached by means of a hinge plate. The second type, and a little later in the proceedings, has the heavier, slightly less detailed wreath with a one-piece sheet metal hinge, and the last in the series will be found with a one piece wreath/cast-in hinge. Going on the marks left by the hinge/catch, I would say that your badge is the # 2 type with sheet metal hinge. Even though the badge has seen better days, it?s absolutely right for a late zincker and still a nice piece of history. As far as restoration goes? leave it as you found it.

Hi Ibrahim I?m afraid my ?S?tterlin Schrift? is pretty poor, but let?s see if we can give you some information on this nice early document. Presented to; Gefreiter Karl L?wenstein for, what I take to be, outstanding service. Born; 16th Feb? 1915 in D?sseldorf. Served in the 1. batterie, Flaklehrregiment (1st Battery.Anti-aircraft training regiment) from 1st Oct 1936- 27th Oct 1938. I?ll do a bit of research and see if I can track down a little more information on this unit.

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standards.

Well spotted, Dan.

Heavy 2nd Pat.

1st pat in aluminium.

Transitional PB... 1st Pat eagle on an early thin 2nd Pat wreath.