Frontreif badge

[Patrick W]

I know that opinions are mixed on these and they don't come along all that often. Has any consensus been reached on them?

[rhudspith]

I know that opinions are mixed on these and they don't come along all that often. Has any consensus been reached on them?

Don't think so?

Personally I don't like them, the quality and detail of manufacture is pretty awful, look closely at the eagle, the swastika is not symetric, the lettering of frontreif is all over the place for example. Just does seem like typical TR quality even in an unofficial privatly manafactured piece like these would have to be.

My opinion a fantasy piece copied from the well known photo showing the design on the conning tower.

How far back in time can we trace these?, anyone?

[Mike Kenny]

I've seen a couple of believable ones (I doubt I could find the pics), but regardless of what current thinking is on their existence, the hardware and finish on this one puts me off straight away.

Regards
Mike

[John T]

Perhaps one day an example will come along with rock solid provenance but for now I do not believe there is any proof that we can trace any of these back to wartime production. I have certainly seen some of these examples that did look to have a zinc base complete with the finish worn/dissolved down to the zinc but then again the times that I have seen these for sale at shows it was usually from those who sold items that were questionable to put it politely. If a piece was made of zinc in let's say the 60's or 70's or even 80's the finish could have dissolved by now, or a clever faker could make the example in such a way so that the finished product has that faded look.

John

[Jody]

Frontreif Badge

Hello Patrick,
I have never liked these badges (for the reasons already mentioned). I was even offered one years ago by Angolia (that should be a red-flag).

I have a book or a magazine I think from the late 60's that mention these.

Not for me unless it was under $20.

Regards,
Jody

[Patrick W]

Thanks Guys!

this one does appear to be zinc but yes the finish and setup is all a bit weird- off to the bazaar with it

Kind regards

Patrick