Early vs Late S&L PAB Comparison

[Mike Yokum]

Hey gents,

I've taken some side by side photos of S&L Bronze PAB's for comparison. The one on the left is mid/late produced and the one on the right is very early. I've drawn some red arrows to denote differences in strike/die quality, hardware differences, etc. Again, both are from S&L.

Note the different cutouts, hinge blocks and pin types. These are classic pointers to manufacturing eras and types.

Tired dies have lost their crispness and the strike on the later made badge is simply poor in detail when compared to the early made badge.

Of note also, is the antiquing effect applied to the later made badge to enhance it's "character."

Spec's look like this:
Early badge - 5.4cm X 4.2cm - Weight is 37 grams.
Mid/Late badge - 5.55cm X 4.3cm - Weight is 38.8 grams.

Let's have a bit of discussion if you like.

[Mike Yokum]

Note the early made badge has a small round wire pin and the later piece has a large, somewhat mis-shapen pin.

The early badge has IMO hand finished cutouts around the turret, where the later badge does not.

The catch on the later made piece is also much wider. A common characteristic of later made S&L pieces.

Each of these characteristics on their own does not necessarily point to a particular period, but when combined a general timeframe of manufacture can be determined.

[Mike Yokum]

An open "hingeblock" is also a characterstic common to later made S&L pieces.

Again, notice the wide, flat wire catch.

[Mike Yokum]

The early made piece has a solid hingblock and narrow flat wire catch.

[jt327gir]

I'll take the early one any day over the late one.

[Nigel N]

excellent work Mike, its great to see them side by side for comparison! the later one looks ok until you start comparing it with the early piece, then you can easily see the difference in quality!! well done, great idea!! -Nigel

[LuckyLuudje]

Very nice to see the difference between the early quality and the later piece.
Although that other PAB is IMO still descent.
That early PAB is a very nice addition for your collection

[Mike Yokum]

Very nice to see the difference between the early quality and the later piece.
Although that other PAB is IMO still descent.
That early PAB is a very nice addition for your collection

Agreed that both are good pieces to be sure.
For those seeking the ealiest and finest, there's only one though, as John noted.

You should post your early example in this thread Luud. It would give another example of early craftsmanship.

Thanks Nigel for the acknowlegdement. This forum and it's members have taught me a great deal about this hobby. You yourself have been a great encouragement and I've learned much from you.

Okay, the early piece I think we would agree is late 50's early 60's. But, what do we think about the period of manufacture on the mid/late piece? I keep calling it "mid/late" because the line between mid and late produced pieces is still a bit fuzzy to me.

What thinkest thou?

[LuckyLuudje]

How did you now I had one ?
But I have one indeed !

[LuckyLuudje]

.

[Mike Yokum]

How did you now I had one ?
But I have one indeed !

Nothing happens in 57er collecting that I don't know about!

Super nice one Luud! Very early, crisp strike with nice hardware too. It appears it has a laquer coating. Is that correct?

[vic007]

Interesting thread, Mike. Thank you.
Best regards

stijn

[Peter Wiking]

Excellent comparison between a early badge and a more modern one

Peter

[Mike Yokum]

This is an older thread, in which a fairly detailed comparison was done. Though it's a few years old, it still gives good insight into the characteristics of early and later made S&L badges.

In general, the level of finish work and overall quality of early and later badges are well represented in these two pieces.

Feel free to add comments or ask questions concerning these pieces.