S&L Balloon Observers Reference Thread

[LuckyLuudje]

This thread is especially for one of our members called Tom.
But that covers most of our members here

So here are my best Balloon Observers, something you won't see every day.
One on the hardest to find badges in 57 form
Especially in silver !!!

[LuckyLuudje]

Lets compare them a litlle closer.

[LuckyLuudje]

Notice the scratchmarks on the back.
And also the large "O" off course.

[LuckyLuudje]

The Balloon and his flaw.
The transperant finish is dicoloured (Zapon lack).
It can be cleaned but not without removing the protection layer.
So I will leave it as it is

[LuckyLuudje]

Some close ups.

Notice the mark on top of the balloon.
I am not sure it it is some kind of a toolmark or ????

[LuckyLuudje]

Lets get closer to those marks.
Here is the back of the Bronze Balloon because it is the only one with both marks (top and bottem)

[LuckyLuudje]

Here a side shot of those marks.

[LuckyLuudje]

The Golden badge doesn't have those marks.
But that is because they put more effort in the filing process.

That was it for now.
Tom (and others off course): I hope you like them. I know I do

[Tom C.]

thanks Luud this is a fantastic thread some awesome ballon observers you have and in such detail how on earth do you get such good close ups its brilliant
i wonder why they moved the pin catch around finally getting it in the right place for the gold grade

best regards
Tom

[LuckyLuudje]

thanks Luud this is a fantastic thread some awesome ballon observers you have and in such detail how on earth do you get such good close ups its brilliant
i wonder why they moved the pin catch around finally getting it in the right place for the gold grade

best regards
Tom

I just use a simple compact camera (Panasonic DMC-FS7) and push a button on top of it...and voila, the pictures are made

Funny about the hardware, you are very observative. Again I didn't even notice it

[luftkrieg]

An elusive badge so it's great to see not one but three!!

Thanks for sharing Luud!

Best regards
Pierce

[xmember]

Those are fantastic badges Luud. Thanks for the very detailed pictures again. I only have the later version. The silver is a real treat. That closet of yours sure can hide some goodies.
Regards
Rudy

[Patrick08/15]

Thanks for showing!
Three great looking Badges

[Nigel N]

Aaaaaahhhhh.... The elusive Balloon Observers Badge, or in this case Badges!!
3 of them...... very nice!!!!
As always, excellent close up photo's that help to tell the story!!!
You just dont see many of the early versions of these around, and, as is often the case with many badges, i really like the look and the finish on the Bronze one best!!!!!
All super examples, i cant remember if we have actually seen an early one posted here before?? I'll have to look thru the old threads!!
Thanks for showing us these rarities Luud!!!
-Nigelclap5.gif

[Matthieu]

Great stuff, Luud. One of the hardest examples to find these days .... how come it does not surprise me you have them .

Thanks for sharing .... and as the others said, great skills with the camera.