Coburg Badge

[Gary Jucha]

I would be grateful if any of the experienced collectors on this forum could possibly confirm the status of a Coburg badge that has recently turned up.

I have already checked any previous threads concerning the badge, and have gathered that there were two confirmed makers, but I was not able to find any comparison images.

Again, from what has previously been discussed, it is clear that the badge has been reproduced in quantity, and I would therefore suspect that this badge is a "bad one".

The maker mark on the reverse is SBW in a clover leaf.

Any opinions would be appreciated as German badges is not my field.

Regards

Gary J.

[Gary Jucha]

Coburg rear

Coburg rear.

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Gary,

Sorry, but that is not an original Coburg Badge. The originals are very rare and command a high price. As far as I know, originals made between 1932 and 1935 were unmarked, and the ones made after that would be 'RZM' marked. That 'SBW' logo on your badge is a fictitious logo. It is a takeoff on an original logo 'BSW' within an upside down cloverleaf (stem at top) which was used by the firm Brüder Schneider, Wien. The logo used on this fake 'SBW' are the initials of the man that produced this badge plus countless others all sporting the same logo. His name was Sean Barry Weske. He was a British actor that moved to Hollywood years ago and was very involved in the production of badges and insignia that were used as film props. This wide range of badges sporting the 'SBW' logo were typically very crude, and not designed with the purpose of fooling collector's.
By the way, a friend of mine owns a Coburg Badge that I believe is genuine. In fact it is the same exact badge that is pictured in the Angolia Book. I will try to borrow it and post some pictures for you, hopefully in the next couple of days.
Best regards! Tom

[Erich B.]

I agree 100% with Tom's detailed explanation. This is definitely a copy and has been around for quite some time.
Erich

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Gary,

Here is the Coburg Badge that I was telling you about. This is the exact specimen that was pictured in Political and Civil Awards of the Third Reich by Angolia, on page #197. This one is not maker marked, so if real, it was made between 1932 and 1935.
Best regards! Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

reverse of Coburg Badge

[Tom Yanacek]

And here is a strange piece for which I can offer no explanation.

[Tom Yanacek]

reverse

[Gary Jucha]

Thanks

Tom,
Excellent descriptions and pictures !!!!!

Many thanks for clearing up the background and details to the badge.

Regards

Gary J.