J Temple-West

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.

Thanks guys. Hey John, do you have examples of the different patterns you mention? Thanks.

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.

Love it! The case is perfect and the badge nearly so. Excellent!

Best

Kurt

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".

I'm not sure if it will be of much help but this link will take you to a site that publishes reference books on the subject.

http://www.sitesv1du-nord-de-la-france.com/

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.

Comparison between a pure 1st pattern and the transitional.

Reverse.

Arrived today is this transitional piece by F.W Assmann. The badge consists of a 1st pattern eagle combined with a thin early 2nd pattern wreath.

These pieces are normally found unmarked due to the fact that pure 1st pattern examples were marked on the reverse of the wreath and 2nd pattern examples were marked on the reverse of the eagle? Combine a 1st pattern eagle with a 2nd pattern wreath ? no maker marks!

Looking at the right-hand rivet one would think that it had been repaired, not so?Possibly down to human error; this type of rivet is relatively common and can be found throughout the ?Assmann? range.

Hi Johnny,

I?m sorry that you feel we?ve let you down in regards to enquires you?ve made. I can only apologise and ask that you don?t feel too badly of us. The site is a little quieter at this time of year with our members recuperating after the festive season. I?m sure, with a little patience, your questions would have been answered or advice given on where to look.

Anyway, as you say, you?ve found what your looking for, which is pleasing, and I wish you well in the any further research you may be involved in.

If you feel that we can be of help in the future, please don?t hesitate in posting any enquiries. I can?t promise that we?ll always have the answers but we?ll give of our best in an attempt to help.