A Couple of GABs - Are They Good?

[ERIC S.]

Hi Guys,
I have a couple of GABs in the case that I would like to run by the membership for opinions. I've had these since the very beginning of my collecting days, and since I no longer collect this area, I've sort of lost touch with these badges. The first is a solid marked FO for Orth and the second is a semi hollow version with a very funky looking Frank & Reif maker mark. Very simple - are they good badges? I'm almost positive the Friedrich Orth one is good, but the semi hollow F&R has me wondering - that maker mark is awful shaky! Thanks in advance for any and all insight!
ERIC

[ERIC S.]

Frank & Reif:

[GELIS44]

Gab

I agree the F.O. is textbook but I don't feel comfortable with the F&R. I don't have Frank's book in front of me at the moment. You want to sell the F.O. GAB?

[Philippe DB]

Hi Eric,

I would like to think that both are just fine. The Fo is textbook, the F&R is a bit odd with that curled up beek and the hole in the uncut area between swas and grenade.

To be absolutely sure measurements and profile shots of the hardware would be welcome.

KR
Philippe

[Philippe DB]

Well upon second thoughts I'm beginning to have serious doubts in relation to the F&R. Could very well be a casting. How is the hardware applied to the badge? I can't see the hinge not the catch base that these F&R are suposed to have.

Also focus on the bayonet from the reverse. Whole pieces of the lower part seem to be gone. This effect you can also see on originals but not to this extend.

KR
Philippe

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Eric,

I agree, superb Orth GAB and The F&R needs better pics to be sure if it is ok.

[ERIC S.]

Thanks Guys! I'll try to scan some better shots of the hardware and take measurements in a day or two! Appreciate the confirmation on the FO!
ERIC

[ERIC S.]

Hi Guys,
OK, measurements on the F&R - 52.1mm X 41.7mm, weight = 18.1 grams. I have taken a couple more scans of areas pointed out. Thanks for taking the time to help out!
ERIC

[ERIC S.]

Hinge 1

[ERIC S.]

Hinge 2

[ERIC S.]

Reverse Grenade

[ERIC S.]

Smaller Hinge Pics

[Philippe DB]

Hi Eric,

These pics and the measurements confrim what I feared, this is indeed a casting.

Here are the measurements of a good one to compare to

Height 53,5mm
Width 43,1mm

Weight 23,5

KR
Philippe

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Eric,

I am of the same opinion, it is a casting of an original badge, apparent in the new set of pics. Both catch and hinge are also wrong, which underlines the fact.

[ERIC S.]

Thanks guys for the help! I had a feeling this one was a nono!
Best,
ERIC