Kriegsmarine Schwerin Berlin Aux. Cruiser

[John R]

Any opinions on whether or not this badge has been polished or otherwise tampered with? I am sure it is a good badge based on what I can see from the images, however, the wreath and globe look off from what I would expect on a normal tombak SB AC badge.

There are so few examples of this badge, at least in my files, but the globe looks buffed in a way as does the wreath, maybe my eyes or the camera, but I think this is a fairly good shot of the badge.

I also thought the globe was supposed to have more dark outlines and shadows than a consistent finish--not sure on that, again, I lack the examples to compare.

It is also possible I think that it is worn on the obverse, creating this impression, again, I am not sure.

Other opinions?

I am considering buying this one, but for now, the jury is out since I have doubts, not about the authenticity, but the condition, of the badge.

John

Edited May 6, 2006 by John Robinson

[John R]

Reverse

[John R]

Lorenzo's images of his badge for comparison. Only image I have of a marked SB AC.

Edited May 6, 2006 by John Robinson

[Gordon Williamson]

It does look to have been polished. The gilt finish should be fire-gilt - (very much a matt finish), with some burnished highlights. The finish looks very smooth on this one suggesting the fire-gilt top finish has been gradually polished away, though a lot of how it looks may be caused by glare from the scanner light. Its still a lovely piece.

Below is what I'd expect to see on a nice example, however ANY Tombak maker marked Schwerin is rare and personally, unless the price is astronomic, its one that I'd certainly grab.

[John R]

It has been a long time since one of the tombaks have come up for sale on dealer sites.

Edited May 12, 2006 by John Robinson

[John R]

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Edited May 12, 2006 by John Robinson

[John R]

another badge, large top area to pennant.

[John R]

Here are the areas I am talking about with the pennant problems:

First my badge.

[John R]

Now a typical example of the AC badge: