EXTREME CLOSE UP: Unmarked Prussian Observer Badge

[Rick Research]

Stogie-Rick suggested detailed scans for a catalog of types. Here are ten scans, front and back at 200%, details at 500%. This badge has no maker's or silver marks. There are no reverse vent holes because the entire obverse wreath and rays are open along the inner front. The rays visible from front and back are on the flat back plate. The wreath, bow, and crown are a 3-D hollow "O" flawlessly soldered around the outer rim.

This badge is 72 mm high and 45 mm wide.

If everybody couild post their own badges in this 200%/500% format, a separate thread for each marked or unmarked type, we can start building up a "catalog" database.

[Rick Research]

There are no reverse vents as mentioned because this type left the obverse open between the flat rayed back plate and the hollow 3-D wreath, bow, and crown.

[Rick Research]

Obverse crown at 500%. Though unmarked, this badge is obviously silver and not plated base metal because of the wear. The inside cloth cap of the crown looks like a "brain" here. I have seen other makers use what looks like a cross-checked "hair net" in there. (We need to come up with some common terminology for these features or else the Zinky Boys will laugh at us! )

[Rick Research]

Left leaves at 500%

[Rick Research]

The Corps flag device is silvered brass, at 500%. The red is a slightly orange "tomato soup" color which seems to have been most common.

[Rick Research]

Right leaves at 500%

[Rick Research]

The bottom bow at 500%

[Rick Research]

Reverse of the crown showing the indentation for the pin catch, at 500%

[Rick Research]

The tabs for holding the device on at 500%. That is the reverse of the Corps device you can see through the square holes.

[Rick Research]

Reverse of the catch at 500%. The "duck feet" of the ribbon ends are quite distinct.

[stogieman]

Judges Say......

......... Ding Ding Ding!!!!!
Another real one.
Keys: REVERSE: look at pin, hinge and shape of bottom!

[Rick Research]

Whew!!!!

[Daniel Krause]

very nice!
Can we have more?

Best regards

Daniel

[Brian S]

Checking in late here...

Here's the back..

[Brian S]

Here's what I have observed. I've noticed two convincing Prussian pieces with the 'solid' back. The observer badge above with the rays on the back which are NOT carved out but seem to be a reverse of the typical hollowed out variety.

Notice the back of this badge, seems carved out as opposed to a high relief like the badge above.

I do not think this is pre-1918.