Foerster & Barth Auxiliary Cruiser for Opinions

[hmsbrinmaric]

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to get your opinions on this badge please. It looks like a Foerster & Barth to me but I'm not 100% sure

Thanks in advance,
Keith

[hmsbrinmaric]

one more

[George Stimson]

Here's my F&B, for comparison purposes.

[hmsbrinmaric]

Thanks for the quick reply George, mine has no finish left but the detail and hardware are the same.

Keith

[George Stimson]

I agree!

[Adrian]

Here's another example which I initially thought was a Forster & Barth but Norm identified as a S&L made badge. I hope he will be able to confirm either way?

[George Stimson]

Adrian

It looks like F&B to me.

[Adrian]

It looks like F&B to me.

I posted it on another forum to show the reverse setup in relation to a Minesweeper badge I had identified as being F&B made.
Norm happened upon the thread and posted his thoughts about them both being S&L made badges.
I hope he will see this thread and share his thoughts directly.

[George Stimson]

Here's the one I've been told might be S&L.

[Norm F]

Hi Guys,

It was only this year that this has been cleared up in a 5-page discussion on GCA, but S&L also used the "inverse-taper" pins similar to F&B which caused confusion for some time, and it's taking a while to correct the older thinking. The true F&B is a one piece badge while these riveted two-pieces are by S&L which show up with a variety of setups, all of which are found on other S&L badges. Martin Westley has most of them in his great Hilfskreuzer collection. I'm sure he'll chip in shortly too.

See other threads that have touched upon this topic:
Auxiliary Cruiser Opinions
High Seas Fleet - Foerster & Barth?

Best regards,
---Norm

[Norm F]

Here's the reverse of the "true F&B" from the reference thread. Quite different outlines.

[George Stimson]

That's very interesting, Norm! Are both of mine S&Ls then?

[Norm F]

Hi George,

Yes both your badges are now attributed to S&L. They have the same obverse and trimming outlines. The setup on your second one likewise appears on a variety of S&L badges, as shown in the attached photo. There are other setups as well as Martin can attest.

The second attached photo shows both these setups are seen in the S&L zinc minesweeper as well.

Cheers.
---Norm

[George Stimson]

Thank you, Norm!

[hmsbrinmaric]

George and Norm,

Thank you very much for your help with the maker ID, S&L it is.

Keith