Extremely Early Golden Bandenkampfabzeichen

[Mike Yokum]

Just back from a very long, but successful business meeting in Orlando, FL and I pulled out the camera to get some shots of a new arrival.

Most of you know I was able to trade some later made badges for this beauty, so without further adieu, here it is.

I believe it to be the earliest of BKA's although I wil wait for your opinions of it to confirm or deny that point. I like to believe I have some nice badges in my collection, but from a quality standpoint, this one is now number one. As Luud said, "I'll let the pictures do the talking..."

[Mike Yokum]

Tough as always to capture the burnishing and so little shows on pics it's always disappointing, but trust me, in hand, it's really quite special.

[Mike Yokum]

And, the hardware...

[Mike Yokum]

She's a beefy one weighing in at...

[Mike Yokum]

That's all the pics. I wait to hear your thoughts on the piece. I'm quite happy with it and hope you enjoy it.

George L has always felt the 57er BKA's are superior quality-wise to their TR brothers. After receiving and inspecting this piece and comparing to pics seen on forums, I have to agree.

To borrow a line from Rüdiger, this is my "MOU." Mike's Occasional Update!

[luftkrieg]

A very detailed piece. Congrats Mike!

Are we talking early 1960's for manufacture date?

Best regards
Pierce

[Mike Yokum]

Thank you Pierce.

I'll let others weigh in, but IMO it's in the '58 to '60 timeframe.

I now see I mis-spelled Bandenkampfabzeichen in the title. Anyone know how to edit that?

[luftkrieg]

Thank you Pierce.

I'll let others weigh in, but IMO it's in the '58 to '60 timeframe.

I now see I mis-spelled Bandenkampfabzeichen in the title. Anyone know how to edit that?

Ok.

I think only a moderator can edit a thread title once it's been posted.

Best
Pierce

[Arthur Spooner]

What a awesome 57er piece Mike !!!

I think you can not get a better one.

Congratulation to your new addition, that was a very good deal for you.

[Mike Yokum]

Thank you very much Matthias!

I'm very happy to have landed this one!

[Nigel N]

Hi Mike!!!!
I was speechless for a while there.....WOW.....what a piece!!!!!!!!
Definitely the nicest BKA i've ever seen, and , in fact, one of the nicest 57ers i've seen too, if its even better in hand than it is on your pics.......
Lovely details on it, crisp and great condition too!! Earliest hardware, so i agree 58 to 60, for sure from the very early production period!
And the gold finish is stunning!!!!
The big fat "0" mark is good to see, and they've also done a good job on soldering the hinge, catch etc.
And what a weight too, thats a serious heavy duty badge!!!!!
The wartime zincers were maybe ok when new, but most have lost their finish, thats why this one looks so good!!!
Congratulations on a wonderful adittion to your collection Mike, a piece to be proud of!!!!
-Nigelsign0008.gif

[Seewolf]

Ouch....need sunglasses

Ah, better now.....

Man, that is a real beauty and a heavy bugger. Very nice details, the known cut outs are perfectly done and a top finish. All i can see speaks for a really very early production

I love the polished area on the blade, looks totally great and in combination with the polished highlights on the wreath it must twinkle like a diamond.

One of the best trades, if not THE best trade that i ever was aware of

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Mike,

Gorgeous example, just lovely condition

I really like the burnishing on the sword, very well done how it is only on the central ridge of the blade, must have taken quite a bit of attention to ensure only that part was done.

Congrats on another fine addition to your collection Mike.

Tom

[George L]

Mike, congrats on the SUPER find! Was this the one from eMedals?

Yes, you remembered my .02 woth on these below. Super rare as I can't imagine there was a lot of demand for these after the war, especially the gold grade, to boot.

For those that don't remember, here's its twin -

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=330603

Since I posted those pics, I managed to pick up another silver and bronze of the same quality/condition. I'll need to post those others soon.

George L has always felt the 57er BKA's are superior quality-wise to their TR brothers. After receiving and inspecting this piece and comparing to pics seen on forums, I have to agree.

[Mike Yokum]

Thanks gentlemen.

It's badges like this one, George L's BKA's, Luud's numbered PAB, Nigel's fine EK collection, Mathijs's super RK's, Rüdiger's KM rarities and so many more that should bring 57er's into the light of day and earn the respect of TR collectors. I know, I'm an idealist, but you can't argue with quality!

Nigel, I was speechless when i first opened the parcel and laid eyes on her.

Rüdiger, I'll put a warning in the title next time so you can grab your sunglasses prior to opening the thread!

Thanks Tom! You fixed my spelling mixup and it's always great to get your trained eyes and expert input on a piece!

Quit bragging George! Kidding! Can't wait to see your completed set! Bring 'em on old boy!