IAB BWS mm

[Master3477]

5

[Master3477]

6

[greg.hays]

Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of the base metal on the badge in question? Looking at it...it just looks like a better quality zinc then the other two variants Sven posted.

Also I have read all 17 threads that come up in a search of BWSIAB's and one thing seems to come up of interest. Most BWSs have a small imperfection on the reverse at the middle left on the eagles neck. The first two badges Sven posted share this characteristic. However, BWS's that appear to be made of the finer base material do not have this imperfection, just as the badge in question.

Also the circular catch plate and catch itself are are not unique to just this variant, as can be seen by the second of Sven's three variants. So it's just the hinge, pin and makers mark that are odd.

If we assume for the sake of argument that this badge is an early variant, evidenced by its finer zinc composition, superior finish, and quality detail then:

1. Is it a stretch to allow for a changed makers mark in later variants. This
has happened with other makers...right?
2. The imperfection seen on the reverse at the eagles neck is a function of
aging die, thus their presence on lower quality zinc badges.
3. The earlier flimsy pin and hinge are exchanged for sturdier or more effective
hardware, ending with the crimped design.

Just throwing it out there .

[Master3477]

...
1. Is it a stretch to allow for a changed makers mark in later variants. This
has happened with other makers...right?
2. The imperfection seen on the reverse at the eagles neck is a function of
aging die, thus their presence on lower quality zinc badges.
3. The earlier flimsy pin and hinge are exchanged for sturdier or more effective
hardware, ending with the crimped design.

Just throwing it out there .

Hi Greg,

I could live with with those three points

[Marvin Jeffus]

I finally received the badge yesterday and am submitting pictures of the reverse for comments. I am amazed at the fine details, also I was concerned regarding the finish as it appeared to be refinished. After having the badge in hand, I think it is ok.

The hinge and catch assembly was also a concern but after comparison with my ShuCo 41, they are identical.

The badge is also vaulted, is this a characteristic of the solid badges?

If this badge is considered a fake, I think we are in deep dodo.

Marvin

[Marvin Jeffus]

having problems uploading pics, please bear with me.

[Marvin Jeffus]

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[Marvin Jeffus]

pic2

[Marvin Jeffus]

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[Marvin Jeffus]

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[greg.hays]

Hi Marvin, like philippe pointed out earlier this is an original badge from an unknown maker. Through the course of this thread I compared every BWS I could find, and this one just doesn't fit. Obverse design, and hardware are not typical or even in the spectrum of documented variants for this maker.

So, for me, I would consider this to be an original badge with a post production makers mark possibly added by someone who thought it would aid in selling the badge? Or to remove doubt of authenticity? Either way I would have no problem having it in my collection .

What I do find interesting is the catch and catch plate. From your pics it sort of looks like these may have been replaced, especially the catch which looks rather large. Or is it just my horrible eyes .