German Field Honor Badge

[horwathj]

Hey Guys, I'd like to get your input on this badge please?

Merry Christmas,

Jef

[Brian L.]

genuine. The hardware set-up on the reverse is one of the less common types form the late 1920s-mid-30s (there were 7 different styles of pin, hinge and catch). All badges were made by Fleck & Sohn, Hamburg between 1925-1935. Although, I think they may have sub-contracted other manufacturers to make them or at least make parts for them, as over 250,000 were sold.

[Seewolf]

Are you really sure? I´ve never seen a genuine FHB with such a wide hook. Revers looks more casted to me?

I think it has to be written as "Feld-Ehrenzeichen" and not as "Feld-Ehren-Zeichen" !

I would not like to have it in my collection

[Brian L.]

Are you really sure? I´ve never seen a genuine FHB with such a wide hook. Revers looks more casted to me?

I think it has to be written as "Feld-Ehrenzeichen" and not as "Feld-Ehren-Zeichen" !

I would not like to have it in my collection

I'm sorry. But, you don't know what you're talking about. Just because you haven't seen one like this, doesn't mean they didn't exist.
I collected this award for years and can attest that the one in question is real and that there are at least 7 known variations of hardware and 4 or 5 different inscription styles. The "Feld-Ehren-Zeichen" inscription instead of the more usual "Feld-Ehrenzeichen" is only seen on this variation.

Here are 4 other variations. Besides the obvious differences in pin design, there are differences in the inscription on the top two, and also minor differences in the central medallion image of the Sturm-Soldat on all four variations. As I already stated Fleck likely sub-contracted parts manufacturing and also probably had multiple dies himself at the two factories that he operated in Hamburg. Although only 40,000 were sold between 1925 and 1933. There was a surge in the awards popularity from 1933 to 1935 after Hitler came to power. Ultimately, 160,285 ( I was wrong about the 250,000) were purchased and I'm sure many more than that were made.

See this thread for additional information and other variations.
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...t=Hamburg+star

[Brian L.]

1/ The most common type with a square flat pin. This was the first design produced in 1925.

2/ Close-up of the patent mark used on some variations.