Meybauer 1st Class Spange, cased

[Robert P.]

Hello,

What is causing this finish to fall off of this badge? I look to the reverse and find it there too. Is this badge tombak or zinc? Looking at the pin assembly I would think it was tombak.??? And does the case look good for this maker?

Robert

[Robert P.]

reverse...

[Robert P.]

and the case...

[Darrell]

Hi Robert. The badge is Tombak or a derivative thereof.

The flaking is much like the silver plating that you sometimes find on EKs. I would assume just wear and tear does most of the damage (either by collectors since the war OR by actual wear of the recipients before wars end).

[Robert P.]

Thank you Darrell,

Glad to hear that it is tombak. So I presume that this flaking is actually the silver plating that's coming off, exposing the base material - tombak. I understand.

Thanks,

Robert

[Darrell]

No problem Robert. I will post two examples. Before and after. The before shows how these spanges came out of the factory. The after shows one that's been worn and had ALL the finish taken off.

BEFORE:

[Darrell]

AFTER: (although different makers ... to illustrate a point)

[Robert P.]

Wow! I have never seen two nicer Spanges, Darrell. That early trapazoid is awesome. Look at the craftsmanship that went into this piece ! Very nice examples. There's just something about these 1st Class Spanges that really catches your eye.

Thank you for sharing these. It's always good to see how the mint pieces were. Beautiful !

Robert