J Temple-West

2nd is a nice solid silver (small type) case given as a gift from General der Flieger Ludwig Wolff to Wachtmeister Karl Miller.

Over the years I've picked up a few cigarette cases and thought I'd post a couple of the luftwaffe ones. first up is a solid silver, engraved example belonging to a member of 2./ Kampfgeschwader 30.

40 year with its mini.

And to compliment your 18 year...

Thanks, once again, for the pix, Steve. What I'd give to have this piece in my hands for a couple of days! Well, what to make of it! First Impression... I think we have a very important find. In short, I would say that you have IMME/JMME's attempt at a (pre-Juncker) 1st pattern PB. It compares well with the 2nd pattern birds that were produced in conjunction with Juncker's early 2nd pattern wreath. Looking at a side by side comparison of the two badges, I can see why IMME then started using Junker parts...not particularly pretty! Just a few early thoughts?. I'll be doing some serious study on this badge and will post some comparisons of the badges in due course. Steve, if at all possible, could you let me have some dimensions? height and width of wreath, width of eagle (wig tip to wing tip). In the meantime, I?d be very interested to hear what the other members think. I bet Kurt will be interested in this one, seeing that he has one of the 2nd pattern examples!

Here's an example of a true 1st pattern that I have in my files (I hope the owner will have no objection to me posting it). I've been on the hunt for one of these for some time, to finish the series, but keep missing the boat. If anyone has one that they would like to pass on, let me know

As requested, a comparison between the 1st and 2nd pattern Assmann Observer eagles. The wreath with this 1st pattern eagle is in fact an early thin version of the 2nd pattern wreath. As can be seen, it?s more detailed than its war time counterpart and should perhaps be classified as the true 2nd pattern, making the later heavier, less detailed wreath the 3rd pattern.

Here's a compilation of the maker marks in the correct order. Left; from a 1st pattern wreath marked piece. Middle; My 2nd pat. Right; Your 2nd pat. Note the down strokes at the ends of the 'A's' across stroke (if that's the right term).

Reverse.

Certainly, D. Firstly, here's my early 2nd pat to compare with. If you look at the Maker mark you will see that it of the type used on all the 1st pattern badges, suggesting that mine is a slightly earlier piece in terms of the date of construction and finish. That having been said, both badges are from the same dies. By no means fool proof when determining when a badge was made, but is a good guide.

Great Lads, Once we've compiled the entire list (Pre/post '43) I'll make up a complete chart.

Basic Waffenfarbe chart.

Very nice, Steve. Of course my eye goes straight to the 'JMME'. Any chance of some close-up pix? It would be much appreciated.

I agree... An exceedingly nice example of an early 2nd pattern. Congrat's, Darrell

I did, John. With a little help from Photoshop.

Officer's Rank Insignia chart.

NCO/EM Rank Chart.

A very nice Soldbuch to a staff officer of a flak regiment. Seeing that invasion of France took place on the 10th may 1940 and this officer is placed in Dunkirk on the 9th May 1945, I would have to say that unless we can place his unit with the invasion forces he was more likely to have been part of the later occupation forces rather than a "Dunkirk Vet".

Cheers Eric..

Catch/catch plate.

Side shot of the hinge.

For reference, a few shots of the key components. Hinge/rivet.

Reverse..

In today, a rather unusual ground assault badge. On seeing the pretty poor pictures I could see that it had the characteristics of a ?Juncker? piece but the pin threw me off! Well? A heavily plated, two piece, single rivet badge with an early style (Schwerin) pin adds up to a combination I?ve not come across before. I?ve certainly seen this reverse setup on early ?Osang? pieces.. but ?Juncker?? I?ve discussed the possibility of collaboration between Juncker & Osang, in the past. It feels and looks right, even smells right for an early piece. Could this badge be an example of that collaboration?

Two 'Assmann' transitional pieces. Pilot and Observer badges.