Kriegsmarine BH Mayer/Otto Schickle of Pforzheim

[John R]

What are the differences between a BH Mayer and an Otto Schickle of Pforzheim? Especially with a worn badge, there seems to be very little to distinguish the two from each other. There probably is something that stands out, but I do not see it.

Looking at Gordon's badges, they look very similar.

John

[Michel]

Only the hinge and pin.

Gordon will give you more details.

[Gordon Williamson]

Here is the reverse of a B H Mayer piece.

[Gordon Williamson]

Reverse of solid Schickle piece

[Gordon Williamson]

Illustration from Schickle's 1941 catalogue. Note the top arm of the swastika is solid, like Mayers, but unlike Zimmermann pieces on which all four arms are cut out.

[Gordon Williamson]

Contrary to common belief, there ARE without doubt original hollow stamped U-Boat badges, the Schickle type being one. This piece was sold last week by Helmut Weitze. Note the hinge/pin set up identical to the solid Schickle type.

Anyone who has one of these and believes the stories that all hollow back U-Boat badges are fake, I'll be happy to offer you full market price for a genuine early tombak U-Boat badge for it !