Air Gunner Badge Opinions

[rfleming32]

This badge weighs 9.8 grams, is non-magnetic, and is 4.9 cm wide. It came from an auction where a large number of real WWI items were sold from an old collection. I picked this and some WWII material up. The WWII stuff is definately good. So what aboutthis? I have read on the list that the originals were Junkers and had a rivited plate on the back. I do not know much about imperial badges other than to be extremely wary. Every once in a while you take a chance. I have a good Dallas Wing and French Pilots badge from the period and wanted a representative piece from Ausdtria or Bavaria. So what is this? Is this a post war badge or reproduction? Any opinions would be appreciated.

[rfleming32]

Back

[rfleming32]

Close up of crown. This piece has had some hand finishing done. See what looks like file marks. You really can't see these with the naked eye.

[rfleming32]

Pin Hinge

[rfleming32]

Catch - look at the residue - sign of age? I think this badge is brass that has been silvered.

[Daniel Murphy]

I am sorry, but that is not an original badge. The finishing of the badge is very poor as regards the wreath since the leaves should be contoured on the edges. The pin and catch are of the type that was used on the 1957 restikes of the EK1s, etc and has also been used on many fakes. A badge with the center cutout would not be an issue type, but was private purchase and the overall quality would be much higher.

Here are photos of my badge that was acquired with an original grouping taken from a dead aerial gunner. The group was his EK1, wound badge and gunners badge still on the uniform pocket. Photos from his wallet and the scope from his Parabellum MG.
Dan Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

Here is the reverse. This is a plated brass issue type badge. The reason the cross looks odd on this one is because this often was broken off. This one is a handmade replacement. Other badges were made in plated steel and will have a pin and catch that are consistent with what is on a issue would badge.
Dan Murphy

[Daniel Murphy]

The badge is warped from the impact of the crash that killed the gunner.
Dan Murphy

[Mike Kenny]

The pin and catch are of the type that was used on the 1957 restikes of the EK1s, etc and has also been used on many fakes.

Hi,

Sorry, but I can only agree with Dan's comments here. At best your example is a 57 replacement but as the early 57ers are actually of reasonable quality, it may be more likely to be a repro/fake.

Regards
Mike

[rfleming32]

Thanks everyone - you confirmed my fears - the school of hard knocks has dished out another lesson. At least the other material I picked up will make up for the loss.