57er Aufklärer Clasp

[BW-Sammler]

Hey guys,

last week I bought this nice Aufklärer clasp.
I have looked for a very early Luftwaffe clasp for years, finally a found one.
The spange seems to have a broad war time style pin, and a solid hinge block.

I hope you like it.

Regards,
Stefan

[BW-Sammler]

Rear

[xmember]

Hi Stefan,

A very nice piece indeed. You don't see ones with the wide pin that much so great job in finding it. Very jealous.

Regards,
Rudy

[Nigel N]

Hi Stefan!!
It is a very nice clasp, rare to find in early form like this!!
Interesting to see how the Gold finish has come off the pin, but is virtually complete on the clasp itself!!!
Great addition to your collection!!!!!!!!!!
-Nigel

[Skyhawk]

Hi Stefan,

Super clasp!

Any with the broad pin are a treat to find!

As far as the finish on the pin, I think this has to do with the different quality of the metal used on the pin, versus the clasp. Of the several clasps I have with the broad pin, the finish is not nearly as good on the pin, as on the clasp itself.

Another reason could be the clasp received the Zaponlack clear protective coating, and the pin did not.

Best,

Jeff

[Nigel N]

Hi Stefan,

Super clasp!

Any with the broad pin are a treat to find! As far as the finish on the pin, I think this has to do with the different quality of the metal used on the pin, versus the clasp. Of the several clasps I have with broad pin, the finish is not nearly as good on the pin, as on the clasp itself.

Best,

Jeff

@Jeff.....
The clasp should be tombak, the pin will only be steel!!
-Nigel

[Skyhawk]

Very true Nigel, and the pin is magnetic, while the clasp is not. Most of the 57er awards are made from "brass". Don't want to start the Brass vs. Tombak debate, as they are basically the same alloy, except Tombak has a higher content of copper.

As far as the clasp itself, how many different 57er LW types have we seen with this broad pin? Stefan is showing recon, I have an Air to Ground. Do any of our members have any of the other LW types with broad pin?

Best,

Jeff

[Nigel N]

Don't forget steel can be both magnetic and non magnetic!!
It contains iron, which is naturally magnetic, however, if nickel is added, then it will be non magnetic!
A good example being the early, wide pins used on both S&L EK1's and Souval's blank core EK1's, while they look identical, they aren't, with one being magnetic, the other not!!
-Nigel

[Skyhawk]

Hi Nigel,

Agreed, and never going to debate Metallurgy with you!

I would guess the pin on Stefan's clasp to be magnetic. The main thing us 57er collectors can be thankful for is the lack of high zinc content awards, and the generous usage of copper in the "brass" awards.

Best,

Jeff

[Nigel N]

Fully agree Jeff!!!
I guess the metals/ alloys used will influence how some of the earlier made pieces look today, that combined with the washes and paints used too???
Again, Deschler can be used as an example, as we mentioned yesterday!!!
Their KVK2 held its finish and is, IMO, the best looking KVK2 of all, but their KVK1 and EK's are a different story!!
-Nigel

[Tom B]

Very nice clasp !! Tom

[BW-Sammler]

Hey guys,

Thank you very much for your opinions.
I just tested it. The pin is magnetic, the clasp not.

Regards
Stefan