The Machinegunner Sharpshooters Badge

[Don D.]

Compare this with these two badges that Brian S posted awhile back. Pay particular attention to the details in the carriages, especially the front legs and gaps in the trails.


Any opinions?
Don

[Don D.]

Posting some pics for Chip

I'll let chip explain these.

[Don D.]

a stick pin

[Don D.]

and a bullion patch.

[Chip M]

MGSSA Badges

All,
I have two examples. One is steel, painted feldgrau (most of the paint is now gone). It was worn by Otto Limburg while he served in the 1. and then 2.M.G.Ss.Komp.d.M.G.Ss.Abt.33 (previously M.G.Ss.Trupp 96). He subsequently served in the Preussische Gebirgs-Maschinen-Gewehr-Abteilung No.201. In the Spring of 1918 he was sent for training for the "Pascha II" contingent being dispatched to Turkey, but was returned to the Western front instead, serving in the Champagne. Wounded in the Summer of 1918 he was released from military service due to a 40% disability. The reverse has C.E.Junker markings.

The second example is gilt wash and is unmarked on the backing plate.

The bullion patch appeared on ebay this past year. I had always thought that these were fantasy pieces or outright fakes at best until I saw this example. It's pretty convincing.

Regards,
Chip

[Don D.]

After having looked at all these photos, talked with some forum members, viewed dozens of badges on the internet, this is the badge I acquired.

[Don D.]

the reverse.

[Don D.]

The reverse of Chip's badges

First the Juncker (top one)

[Don D.]

Maker mark.

[Don D.]

And the gilt one. Chip, feel free to chime in.

Don

[Don D.]

Fake badge

Here is a fake badge for comparison. Notice the "stick" legs.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT
Don

[ynot]

This is a great thread Don, I've seen many of these badges in the past but haven't had the knowledge to actually tell a good one. I still haven't but at least I now know a little more. I take it the long pins holding the plate are also something to be wary of.

Tony

[Don D.]

The reverse.

[Don D.]

maker mark.

[Don D.]

Tony, I haven't really drawn any conclusions about the backs yet. I need to find more good ones first.
Don