Ost mm 61

[Stu W]

Hi guys,

This appears to me to be a tombak piece. Can any of you sharp eyed youngsters confirm that for me please?

Regards to all,
Stu

[Stu W]

Reverse

OK, sharp eyed oldsters are also welcome to comment!

[Stu W]

Mm

maker mark

[jayhawkhenry]

I agree, it does not look like zink. Nice one.

[Stu W]

Thanks.

Thank you for the prompt reply. There isn't any bubbling and I thought I could see some of the brassy sheen showing through where there was light wear.

Regards,
Stu

[Gernika81]

Yes, a Tombac. I own two Osts made of Tombac and 2 zinkers and the difference in quality is remarkable! No bubbles, no paint loss!

[Gruzd]

Yes, a Tombac. I own two Osts made of Tombac and 2 zinkers and the difference in quality is remarkable! No bubbles, no paint loss!

Ostmedals never made of tombac, only zinc!!!

[Rylan]

Ostmedals never made of tombac, only zinc!!!

No I don't think that is true.

Type 1; Buntmetal
Type 2; Zinc
What we call here type 1 badges were made from Buntmetal (hard metal) and have stood the test of time better than their zinc counterparts.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/camp...intermedal.htm

[Gernika81]

Rylan is right. I don't know why many people think they were only made of zinc. It's an evidence that the first issues made of tombac, keeping all the detail and colour, whereas the zinc versions tend to lose all the finish. Zinc issues even have those bubbles due to zinc oxidation.