Bullion Pilot'sBadge

[Gary Symonds]

5

[Gary Symonds]

Bullion Pilot's Badge

2

[Gary Symonds]

6

[Gary Symonds]

Bullion Pilot's Badge

7

[Gary Symonds]

Bullion Pilot's Badge

Gentlemen:
For your review the 1913 Prussian Pilot's badge in bullion. See Niemann, 3rd edition, page 41. This is NOT from the 1914-1918 period. If that were the case, the cloth backing would be in field gray. I believe because of the blue backing that this was for a Luftwaffe tunic, circa 1936. Your informed opinions are sought.

[Leroy]

This badge looks believable to me, even though the backing is a bit strange. I'd like to see it in person.

[Don D.]

I think it has a chance of being good also. And Leroy, what are you doing down here in Imperial? Ready to give up the zink for some nice enamel?

[Leroy]

I think it has a chance of being good also. And Leroy, what are you doing down here in Imperial? Ready to give up the zink for some nice enamel?

I've got my Schickle Pour le Merite and that's it for me! I haven't got another 50 years to learn what you guys already know.

I'll just visit from time to time to see all the very nice material!

[Mike H]

For a friend

Posted for a friend who doesn't have photo posting privileges at the moment.

Mike

[Mike H]

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[Stephen Previtera]

I would say both pieces look good. The sources for many fakes is Pakistan and the weave on these two makers is too fine and detailed for their work. Also the fact that fine bullion is used and not broad is a good sign. I believe the top one is post-war, likely 1930s due the backing, as Leroy pointed out.
SP

[McCulloh]

maybe-
The Brits and the Austirans also made these in the 1960s and 1970s (and I have the catalog ads to prove it).
I wouldn't touch this unless Rick Versialles inspected it.
In 35 years of collecting I have seen 0 of these in real life.
You need to be VERY careful with a super rare piece like this.

I also guessthat most of the people posting here have never actually handled one .

I can tell you this much-from looking at bullion navy insignia from @ 1920 there are good and bad aspects to this piece.

What does it smell like?
Have you tested the bullion for any metal content?

[Brian S]

Smack me for being gullable but these look possible. Smell is indeed an ingredient...

[McCulloh]

Fair enough

So, I see one thing I like (as in makes me feel it is authentic) and one very specific thing that makes me pause.....and I am no imperial cloth badge expert .

So, what aspects of this piece lead you to think it is kosher?

There are LOTS of newbies here who would love to learn from knowledgable and experienced collectors.

[Stephen Previtera]

I'm not sniffin anyone's badge if I don't know where it's been. Actually I do own a Bullion Prussian Pilot. On these what I look for is the backing and makeup of materials. There are certain weaves found on cloth EKs of the period, a black fine mesh sometimes held in place with a waxy coating that I like to see. I like to see remnants of stitching. I like to see appropriate color backing. On the obverse I take a super close look at the thread. I am looking for natural wear to the bullion beads, the pattern of weave and how faithfully they reproduce the details found on their metal counterparts. Back to the wear, there is also sometimes residual rust or rust like coloring on the bullion where it is torn or damaged. I also look at the thread the bullion is wrapped around. Is it cotton or does it look like a modern polyester. I would also recommend the study of low price contemporary examples. There are several Naval badges, both civilian and military from the period that are still on the market for less than $100. They are more common and lend a helping hand as to styles used during the period in question. Smell plays a factor (olfactor-y) but not as much as the eye. Mothballs today smell like mothballs from my Grandmother's time.
SP