Re: 1923 Common Gau Badge in Enamel

[Gary Symonds]

I recently purchased this 1923 Common Gau Badge in enamel from the Estand. I already had a 1923 in paint, so I couldn't say no.

In checking the past threads on the common Gau, the question kept coming up, as to why some badges, both 1923 and 1925 where in enamel, and some in paint.

One suggestion made was that the painted one's where wartime made, and had the same restrictions on use of enamel as other badges, which after 1942 went to paint and zinc. This also would explain the examples found in Alpaka rather thaa 800 silver.

Anybody have any fresh thoughts?

Opinions on the 1923 would be welcome.

[Erich B.]

Gary,
Superb example! I've never found an explanation from a reliable source regarding the reason enameled vs. painted finish, or the thin pin vs. doubled pin fittings. Everything I've heard or read has been postulation.
Erich

[Bob Hritz]

Gorgeous piece, Gary.

Bob Hritz

[Br. James]

I agree: a beautiful addition to any collection!

Enjoy,

Br. James

[Gary Symonds]

Guys, thanks for the positive feedback.

Here is my 1923 in paint.

[Stan]

Gary, I agree that its a very nice piece

There appear to be four versions of these Common Gau badges:

1. With enamel and a semi hollow unmarked Alpacca wreath (as per Gary's piece)
2. With enamel and a solid "800" silver wreath
3. Painted swas and semi hollow unmarked Alpacca wreath
4. Tarnished silver swas with unmarked Alpacca semi hollow wreath.

Of course the last version could have been the painted version with the paint removed.

On top of all this, some wreaths are marked "Alpacca" but most are not!

I suppose we can still only speculate why the four versions existed and hopefully one day someone will provide solid evidence as to the reason.

Stan

[Erich B.]

Also the pin variations--the normal doubled pin and the thin single pin.
Erich

[Wood]

Here is my 1923 in paint.

Partially repainted?
Regards,
Pete

[Gary Symonds]

Partially repainted?
Regards,
Pete

No, the paint is original and complete, in 800 silver.

Right out the factory door.

[Br. James]

Maybe it's the angle or the lighting of the photograph, but the painting looks a bit sloppy to me... Not what one would expect to see on this artifact.

Br. James

[Gary Symonds]

Maybe it's the angle or the lighting of the photograph, but the painting looks a bit sloppy to me... Not what one would expect to see on this artifact.

Br. James

Br. James, it's the picture.

The paint is flawless.

[Stan]

Also the pin variations--the normal doubled pin and the thin single pin.
Erich

Correct

Stan

[Br. James]

Thanks, Gary.

Br. James