Silver CCC background info anyone?

[Will Brown]

Hello. I am considering buying this F & BL example. I know the dealer and agree with him that it is a textbook example of this variant (inverted MM, die flaw, etc) but I would like to know some more opinions. It has the "look" I am looking for to complete an Infantry officer's tunic, but the appearance confuses me.

Would it be:

A) a zink body with a silver wash nearly all gone and the protruding areas
such as the grenade head and acorns shiny from wear? Or...

B) a body made from a metal other than pure zink to account for the
overall shiny appearance in most places other than recessed areas?

The zink examples I have seen which have lost all their silver wash seem flat and lacking definition, not like this one. The remaining "wash" that I percieve seems more grey than silver? Also, the reverse seems to have the same texture/color as the obverse. If the obverse had lost all of the silver wash, would not some traces remain on the reverse, at least?

All information and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[Will Brown]

1

[Thomas Durante]

I don't see you pics?

Even without seeing them, I am positive your clasp is made of zink, with a silver wash.

Tom D.

[GregK]

Photos posted for Will. I'll let him comment.

[GregK]

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[GregK]

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[GregK]

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[GregK]

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[Philippe DB]

Hi Greg,

It's an original no problem but I wouldn't by it as a silver grade. IMO it's a bronze grade with all its finish gone. On a worn silver grade I at least would expect traces of the original silver finish to be visible on the hardware. From the pictures you posted I can't find any silver traces.

KR
Philippe

[Mado]

I agree with Philippe. It´s a good bronze example. You should see some silver on the pin or needle on silver grades, even if the clasp lost all of the finish

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Greg,

I can only agree with the others, this is a bronze class clasp. Even after 60+ years, you would see some traces of the silver finish. F&BL used a very fine zink that held its finish very well, so there would definately be traces of silver to be seen.

Tom D.

[skip]

Yep, definatly bronze. You can still see the bronze wash in the crevices.

Not unusual for people to try and pass worn bronze ones off as silver.

Skip

[Will Brown]

A bronze not silver clasp eh? Wow. Thanks for all the input guys, my hunt for a sharp looking silver CCC will continue.

Will B.