Kriegsmarine ACB

[genoa41]

A wellknown English dealer is selling this ACB mm V. Wilhelm . Is this firm universally unquestionable as war time maker or still subject for discussion ?

Many thanks

Edited March 25, 2009 by genoa41

[Gordon Williamson]

I remember these being discussed a few years back and Frank Heukemes being "on the fence" about them until he actually saw one then condemned it as fake. The was partly because of the strange base material (not being Zinc but some other alloy) and the final killing blow being that the hinge and hook were integral to the badge, not separately applied, in other words the entire thing was a cleverly done casting.

However, this example clearly IS Zinc, and has separately applied fittings (the hinge and hook are rusted so cannot be one-piece with the Zinc body of the badge.) so there must be more than one version of this badge in existence.

This one certainly has the look of age, but given the controversy around them, they certainly aren't unquestioned as a genuine variant.

[Paul R]

It is very unusual, but I see nothing about the detail, materials, and construction that rule it out(based upon the photos) as been a period piece. Perhaps a very rare varient? What is the marking on the reverse?

[Martin W]

Paul,

the maker mark on the reverse,reads,

Ausgef

V.Wilhelm

Personally,at this point,i am still not convinced that these badges are wartime originals.

Regards,Martin.

[genoa41]

I remember these being discussed a few years back and Frank Heukemes being "on the fence" about them until he actually saw one then condemned it as fake. The was partly because of the strange base material (not being Zinc but some other alloy) and the final killing blow being that the hinge and hook were integral to the badge, not separately applied, in other words the entire thing was a cleverly done casting.

However, this example clearly IS Zinc, and has separately applied fittings (the hinge and hook are rusted so cannot be one-piece with the Zinc body of the badge.) so there must be more than one version of this badge in existence.

This one certainly has the look of age, but given the controversy around them, they certainly aren't unquestioned as a genuine variant.

Many thanks . For the present we remain in a state of uncertainty .

PS I have come across a type very clear