Matthew Macleod

Looks good to me. Worn original piece, IMO.

The piece shown is something I came across in cyberspace- my apologies, I do not have the verso pic of it.

Picture courtesy of emedals.com.

It could be anything, of any timeline really. Not recent manufacture, IMO, but at this point we have to face the fact that 80's were closer, timeline-wise, to the Battle of Stalingrad than they are to present date. I wouldn't necessarily go by dealers description.

And a Happy New Year!!!

I believe the emedals item is neither the 30th Geschwader or DSK emblem. While the 30th rendition of eagle and its colors varied between its groups, the shape of the shield was always the same and very distinctive as pictured above. The emblem of the DSK always featured an arrow in the background.

Don't see any problems with it personally other than the fact that its design is different than the one sanctioned by the Reichsgesetzblatt (one with Hitler's head on the front) so I guess it could be called a second model. One way or another, period original , IMO. Or perhaps a third one while the one below was the second? Also answers the question whether or not there were any bronze plated Anschluss medals made...little faded but definitely started out as bronze..

The piece is original but the recipients' name is not on my list. There are handful of researchers who specialize in finding NSDAP numbers/names for those, your best bet would be to contact one of them. Michael McDivitt is one name that I would recommend but there are others.

I came across this lovely piece. Is this something that was a common practice or is that possibly a one-off? Rather unusual way of collecting tallies by turning them into a pillow? I must say it looks nice, IMO, but putting additional wear on antique cloth items is probably not the best idea.

The problem with that is- Brehmer company operated out of Markneukirchen. And unlike some companies operating during the times out of multiple places, it was Brehmer's sole location. I am sure you can see how a piece marked 'Brehmer Berlin' could put the brakes on a story of its originality. That said, there were instances of perfectly original medals and badges defaced by spurious, post-war stamps of more desirable makers, among other reasons. Perhaps a picture of your piece would help put those objections to rest?

Or Lebensborn. Just a speculation on my part of course.

Whatever the actual purpose or even organization that stood behind those pieces was- they seem to be period made. Over the years I have seen them in various stages of production- even so called 'first strike' (not separated from its flash or 'background metal' if that makes sense). That would point towards them being either prototypes or simply unfinished pieces that for one reason or another never made to the mass production stage. Not entirely unusual or unheard of. They exist in the usual metals- tombak and zinc but also in silver and in two different strikes (minute details differ). Because of their SS annotation, they tend to be rejected by most in the collectors community, since the SS field is probably the most prone to fakes production. IMO, another period piece of which its purpose is yet to be discovered.

That would be Ferdinand Hoffstaetter of Bonn. Yes, they were also made in gold grade

The pictures are not the best to show the details of the rest of the pins but the US Freundschaft badge is not an original, pre 1945, item unfortunately.

Both original types (solid and cut-out swastikas) exist. Personally I see nothing wrong with your cross- looks like a nice, original piece, IMO.

Turns out the badge was worn by Bavarian Postal Workers.

I'd contact this friendly and knowledgeable guy here: https://www.ostmedaille-database.com/ If it has to do with the Ost Medaille, he probably will know about it. Do let us know the results.

Scout 1st class badge. Looks ok to me.

Contrary to popular mistake, the maker's name was Dicke. Great looking cased award BTW- Congrats!

The piece has been described as a badge of rank by some dealers in the past. Whether that's true or not, I have no idea. Maybe a quick email to one of them would settle it- Flying Tiger Antiques has one currently on offer. I have never come across them being identified as Customs Officer's piece though. But that does not prove anything either way, of course. BTW- Your piece is missing the lion's head attachment typically found at the end of the holding chain. Nevertheless- a great looking piece!

? Thanks for the article as well

Awesome! Thanks for that

Stunning collection. Any chance of a close-up of the last, blue band?

It's a nice original piece. And since the seller is very well reputed, should you wish to return it, I am sure Thomas will take it back no questions asked.

I think it's a good one too.