J Temple-West

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Various views of the goggles.

These pictures were recently sent to me... Fran?ois and I have had a chat about them and thought it would be interesting to add them to the thread, for comments. As can be seen, they have clear lenses. Tin/steel case.

Cracked wreaths were quite a common fault with these clasps. The repair is nicely done. Going on the circular machining marks and overall look, I'd say its fine. As are the other two.

Nice one, Rich... T-shirts to follow.

Hi Nan Su, If you're asking why Himmler would have been entitled to the "Deutsche Olympia Ehrenzeichen 1. Kl", the answer is that he was the head of the 'SS' and Police which would have handled security for the Olympic Games. If this is not the answer you?re looking for, let me know?

That certainly is a strange one, R.... The loop trick is just a matter of trial and error. You just have to have three hands. The next time I'm in your part of the woods, I'll have to pop by and have a look-see.

Once again? nice acquisition, Reini. Is that number actually stamped or is it a scratch that looks like a number? I?ve never seen any markings on any Deumer badges?strange! Try taking a photo through the loop, something that I find, works for close-up macro shots.

Thank Ye kindly, Marc. Btw, glad to see you made it to the club.

Rich, you could very well be right, there must be a certain amount that have been cleaned in the way you describe. As far as manufacturers abiding by the ?design finishing specifications? is concerned, if the reg's were that strict..how do we explain ?all silver? JMME badges? A characteristic we look for. Imo, there was a very competitive sprit between the various makers, all trying to corner the market, all trying to make their badges more desirable than the next man. To this end, I?m sure that 800 silver, neusilber and plate versions would have been seen as highly desirable, and commercial, as presentation/gift pieces. Of course, all speculation and only a humble theory.

I would say that the darkening of the areas under the bolts is a natural patina. My PB shows the same thing in the recesses. Here is another 'silver' variant that I have in my files... This one is of the plated variety. Notice the base metal showing through where the plating has been worn away.

Reverse.

Although unmarked, this example, in fine zinc, has all the die characteristics of the early nickel-silver pieces by C.E Juncker, which would suggest that this badge was most likely from the first production run where, due to the lack of high grade metals, zinc was introduced.

Comparison between 1st and 2nd pattern eagles.

Transitional piece, having the 1st pattern wreath with a 2nd pattern eagle.

Standard 1st pattern Radio Operator/Air Gunner badge in nickel silver.

What a find! These all silver (meaning, without darkened eagle) variants are some of ?Junckers? finest work, imo. I?ve come across period photo?s showing these types being worn on officer?s evening dress, and looking at the quality you can see why. I would agree with it being nickel silver as opposed to plated tombak/buntmetal. As to the pattern.. Finer legs/talons, lower brow, thiner neck, differences in the feathers all point to it being a 1st pattern. Very nice, Reini. Here's another example from the "silver series".

Just to add a little something to the mix....what do we then think of this hollow-back version that I have in my files? Should the owner wish me to remove this image, I will, of course, comply.

A very nice assortment of cased awards, Brian..

Nice badge, James.. Thanks for posting it.

Cheers, Eric The weight comes in at 38.7g.