Very Early St&L U-Boat Compared w/ Wartime

[Brig]

Just got a very nice, very early S&L U-Boat 57er in (thanks to Jeff!), and I realized that the wartime U-Boat I have is also an unmarked S&L. I figured it would be neat to post a side-by-side for reference. I believe this conforms with the forums new swastika rules as it's a comparative thread, but if not please feel free to delete.

First, the badge by itself...

[Brig]

Side by side of the fronts...there are indeed some differences in the U-Boats, but they seem to be minor

[Brig]

Differences in the hardware...

[Nigel N]

Hi Brig!
Firstly....a great, early S&L U-Boat badge, in super condition!!! Hard to upgrade that beauty!!!
No problem, with comparing a 57 and a wartime original from the same maker, always good to see if original dies were used/ modified for the 57 version, or new ones created!!
Looking at your wartimer, I don't think they used the same die for the 57er? There are differences throughout, especially noticeable on the leaves, veins, etc.
Anyway, great badge!!!!!!!!
-Nigel

[pattex]

Hello,
a very, very nice very early u-boat badge!

Hard to find these days, congratulations !

best regards
Pattex

[pattex]

Hi Brig!
Firstly....a great, early S&L U-Boat badge, in super condition!!! Hard to upgrade that beauty!!!
No problem, with comparing a 57 and a wartime original from the same maker, always good to see if original dies were used/ modified for the 57 version, or new ones created!!
Looking at your wartimer, I don't think they used the same die for the 57er? There are differences throughout, especially noticeable on the leaves, veins, etc.
Anyway, great badge!!!!!!!!
-Nigel

Hello Nigel,
definitely not the same die - the u-boat is much more higher.

best regards
Pattex

[Skyhawk]

Hi Brig,

Great looking compare photos!

I miss that U-Boat badge already , however I know it went into a building, and very good 57er collection!

I guess the different placement of the U-Boat on the two badges is because with the removal of the eagle/swaz there was quite a gap left above the U-Boat. I believe the correct move was made by raising the U-Boat to a more central position on the 57er version.

Best,

Jeff

[pattex]

I guess the different placement of the U-Boat on the two badges is because with the removal of the eagle/swaz there was quite a gap left above the U-Boat. I believe the correct move was made by raising the U-Boat to a more central position on the 57er version.

Best,

Jeff

Hello,
this is right Jeff, comparable to some 57er luftwaffe badges where the eagles went down a little bit because of the removal of the swaz. .

best regards
Pat

[Tom B]

I agree with the others, a very beautiful badge !!! Tom

[Brig]

Hello,
this is right Jeff, comparable to some 57er luftwaffe badges where the eagles went down a little bit because of the removal of the swaz. .

best regards
Pat

Seems like that was a fairly easy modification, as most LW badges are riveted, simply lower the placement and rivet. They had to develop an entire new die for the U-Boat, but I agree with the others, definitely a good call to center it

[Brig]

Hi Brig!
Firstly....a great, early S&L U-Boat badge, in super condition!!! Hard to upgrade that beauty!!!

-Nigel

I don't plan on upgrading it, feel it's a near perfect example as is! The wartime, on the other hand, has seen some wear!

[Brig]

Hi Brig,

I miss that U-Boat badge already , however I know it went into a building, and very good 57er collection!

Jeff

actually, my collection is in the yard!

Definitely one of my favorites!

[Norm F]

Side by side of the fronts...there are indeed some differences in the U-Boats, but they seem to be minor

Hi Brig,

Yes indeed, the S&L '57 U-Boat design is based on their wartime design. It's even more apparent for S&L's other '57 KM badges that they were based upon modifications of their wartime dies. But unlike the other KM badges, the U-Boat required a more extensive re-design since it's the only badge in which the central feature (i.e. the U-Boat in this case) had to be relocated upwards. Nevertheless, as you said, the style of the U-Boat is quite recognizable, and the most unique feature is the characteristic curved cutout under the front of the hull which is different from all other makers.

Best regards,
---norm

[Norm F]

Seen from the reverse, you can again see that characteristic curved cutout under the hull. For comparison here's a compilation of the other wartime makers' U-Boats -- no other maker's U-boat is cut in this manner.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Skyhawk]

Hi Norm,

Quite an impressive set of comparison images!

Sure would like to have one like that for the Heer badges, like the ASA and PKA!

Thanks for posting!

Best,

Jeff