Imperial Air-Gunner

[Hagrid]

Dear all!
I recently stumbled over this example of an imperial air-gunner´s badge.
It´s a hollow die-stamped, slightly worn specimen made of silvered (?) non-magnetic material, the hardware is magnetic.
I wonder whether someone has any ideas concerning maker and the time it has been made in.
My first thoughts were "Steinhauer & Lück", but the hardware setup is not the typical 50s style.
Did S&L make these during the 30s and 40s as well?

Every input is highly appreciated!

Regards

Hagrid

[Hagrid]

Since no one felt compelled to post his opinion so far, I´ve been digging the net for more information myself -
aaaand:
Voilà! I found the same piece on emedals , with a lot more wear on it and an interesting idea regarding it´s value (1900 $ !). I quote their picture in comparison with a better image of mine...
The same style, but as a "cut-out" version and with replaced hardware, has been sold for 1090 $ - maybe because Carsten Baldes has it in his book as an original issue.

Still interested in input
Regards
Hagrid

[Hagrid]

To share the further results of my internet-investigation with you:
On the right we have the typical Steinhauer & Lueck-badge with its almost chrome-like finish and the typical hardware, known from the "57"-style orders from the fifties.
Details are not too good on this type, maybe a result of wear and age of the tools used.
On the left we have a better detailed example with a slightly shorter pin, showing light wear...

Regards
Hagrid

[Hagrid]

...and now we compare the used one to mine:
Same badge, but different pin....

[Hagrid]

The cut-out version is available as well - the pictures of it are borrowed from an older thread in this forum and compared with mine... Note the S&L-hardware
(the "published-by-Baldes" variant on eMedals is up for sale/auction - again.
I´ve put it next to the S&L specimen for better comparison )

[Hagrid]

And for all of you are interested in the matter, I´ve marked the significant areas on these badges. They are all the same on all the examples I´ve shown you in this thread.

1. the waffle-like structure of the crown inlet, the distorted arches of the three crown shields, the beads come in different sizes on the same arch
2. typical open spaces on both sides of the wreath´s end - like there´s a leaf missing
3. the eagle has a bulging round eye without a center structure, the feathers are arranged in a peculiar way, that - if you put it upright (see little picture) - resembles a christmas tree. The lower wing has eleven feathers on the rim (there are fakes that have nine feathers instead...)

If you look at the backside, you´ll find typical traces left by the tools (2). The three "abrasions" or scratches are always on the same spot of the badge unless you look at a cut-out-version. The area next to the aim looks somewhat "molten".

A very typical feature is the different meeting point of wreath and crown - it looks like a laurel leaf slid down a little bit. This adds a slight asymmetrical look to the badge and will jump into your focus whenever you spot it again

Thank you for your attention and patience - I´m still hoping for opinions and input, especially regarding the time the different hardware setups have been used or when these badges have been built....

Greetings
Hagrid