Those are some neat pins.
Eric
Eric
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I once flew in a B-17, B-24, & a B-25. Next, I want to fire an 88 round. -
Very, Very cool// As you would probebly be aware of, watch-out for those repos on the market/ These are studied just like the battle awarded badges, constuction methods and such. Maybe with your knowledge of these ,you would post what the differances of repos(if you have any) versis reals ones and what to look for. Great collection my freind//
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Has anyone ever seen an enamel Blitz Brooch from a NH des Heeres Blitzmaedel? My grandmother was one and I have been looking for one FOREVER!!!!
MarcComment
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I don't claim to be an expert on enamel pins. I purchased a modest collection of pins from a long time collector friend who was getting out of the hobby. That started my collecting interest in these things. I've only got a couple of references: JR Cones "One People, One Reich - Enameled Organizational Badges of Germany 1918-1945" and an old Heering & Husken "Handbuch der Abzeichen Deutcher Organisationen 1871-1945". While there are probably more references today, JR Cone's flimsy, spiral bound, 100-page reference is probably the best - if you can find it.
From my experience, the quality of the enamel work is the best way to tell bad from good. As would be expected, authentic, period pieces were of exceptional quality. Most were brass with silver and gold washes -- no plating or rhodium Sta-Brite finishes. Study the quality of a period Mother's Cross, and you'll get an idea of the level of quality to look for. Towards the end of the war, the germans turned to painting their badges rather than skimp on the quality of the enamel.
Most of the German and foreign country NAZI party pin series (anything round with a swastika in the middle) have been faked. They are the most popular with the uninformed eager to snatch up a piece of NAZI memorabilia (likely purchased at the local gun show). I'd imagine anything with "SS" on it has been faked. Many HJ badges have been faithfully reproduced, such as the HJ National Trade Competition badges. I wanted one of those, but never trusted my ability to tell friend from foe.
I believe this HJ German/Japanese sports badge is a repro -- the enamel work just doesn't seem measure up to a period piece...Comment
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Back side...Comment
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The authenticity of this HJ Honor badge for Foreign Dignataries has been much debated. The enamel work and overall quality of the badge is high, but the quality of rivit punches on the back make some wonder. This badge has also been seen in green and brown enamel.
Is it good or bad?...Comment
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Back side...Comment
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And what about this unusual piece? I'm sure someone out there knows the answer...Comment
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ReverseComment
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But there still fun to collect!Comment
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Detail of one of my favorites...Comment
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Here's a between-the-wars 25-year shooting organization pin - another one of my favorites..Comment
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Marked "800" on the back!Comment
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A another German enamel I came across the other day.
Not my field of collection, but it was free ....................Comment
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