Grenzschutz Bromberg Sleeve Badge (Freikorps). Very Rare!!!!

[Bill B.]

This is what I believe to be an original Grenzschutz Bromberg sleeve badge; at least, the level of detail, the pin assemby and the consistent wear on the high points causes me to conclude that the piece is not a reproduction. The badge was used by the 3rd Batallion, Grenzschutz Bromberg during the immediate post-WWI period (1919). I've provided close-ups to show the level of detail and finer points.

Led by a Hauptmann Just, the Battalion participated in defensive actions against Polish attacks in the Bromberg area in Posen (Netz river district) in January of 1919. A drawing of the badge is shown in von Salomon's 1938 book on the Freikorps, page 239, and also in V. Ager's Freikorps insignia reference, number 109.

SOLD!!!!!!

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Bill B.<O</O

[Bill B.]

Reverse.

[Bill B.]

Detail close-up.

[Bill B.]

Another close-up view.

[Bill B.]

And another.

[Bill B.]

Yet another.

[Bill B.]

Lower front close-up view.

[Bill B.]

Pin catch close-up. Thanks for looking!!!!

Bill B.

[besslein]

you have to post the item price

[Bill B.]

Hi all,

Very sorry, I thought I posted a price but apparently didn't. That problem is now resolved. Thanks!

Best,
Bill B.

[Don D.]

I've asked VK to take a look at this since there is no reference to this item anywhere on the forum that I can find. If good I'd like to see a thread in the discussion forum so we can capture this info.
thanks

[VerKuilen Ager]

Don asked me to post a comment on this and it's probably just as easy to repeat what I already wrote to him.

" Don,
Unfortunately, I do not have one of these in my collection to use as a touchstone and I have a couple of prejudices against this particular type. So, as painful as it might be, I'll have to have to climb on the fence on this one. Damn, those pickets are sharp!

First, contemporary written sources suggest that this was a a sleeve emblem. So, a pinback would not be appropriate. Period sleeve items were almost universally sew-ons and the size of something like this would have demanded it. Secondly, this emblem has a been a dime a dozen in the marketplace, which should always give pause.

However, what if the sources were wrong or we have taken too much for granted and this was actually an award? (You'll note that in my book I have this as "sleeve?", so I 've had doubts for some time.) Then the pinback is appropriate and part of the first argument goes away.

I like the strike. I like the aging. I'm not so crazy about the hinge (but it's no outrage). The catch seems ok. So, all in all I'd say this one has a good chance of being ok if we accept the award thesis.

Sorry I can't be of more definitive help, but this is even murkier territory than Third Reich authentication.
VerKuilen
P.S. Despite e-stand rules about leaving prices on listings, I see that the price has been removed on this one. Do you know what this sold for?"

[Don D.]

Thanks VK. I will leave this thread up for a day and then move it to the appropriate forum so we then have a record of this type badge.

[leibregiment]

My understanding was that the badge was worn on an armband, I have seen a photo somewhere.......