IAB Maker Question

[Larry Lipps]

Guys,
While I've owned this IAB for a long time, I've never been able to find out who the maker was. I've been told that it's a B H Mayer, but at least on their GAB's there a 45 degree cut at the base of the hinge that this one doesn't have. Hopefully the hinge and catch are unique enough that one of you guys can provide and ID. Thanks!

[Larry Lipps]

The reverse,

[Larry Lipps]

Details of the Hinge and Catch,

[greg.hays]

Hi Larry first let me say what a beautiful IAB . For me this is a BH Mayer.

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Larry,

One of the confusing ones that goes against the general rule to distinguish both makers, which works in most cases. Here we see a hinge more typical for Frank & Reif and a catch which is typical for BH Mayer. Since both companies have the same badge design and worked closely together, it is tough to be 100% which of the two makers it is. Some people say that F&R never made Buntmetall badges and that all these are BH Mayer, but I have made some findings which contradict that. I very well assume that F&R also made Buntmetall badges.

[greg.hays]

I should have elaborated. I think of this as BH Mayer because of the wreath design and the hooked talon on the eagles left leg. It is not straight which I associate with F&R. But Frank is right there was much cooperation obviously between the two companies.

[Larry Lipps]

Well, that at least narrows it to a point I can live with. I guess until some other evidence surfaces, I'll call it a Mayer. Thanks!