Newbie IAB help

[pfrost]

Hello,

I am not a TR collector, but I found this today in an old scrap book of stuff brought back by the vet. It included this S.H.u.Co 4 marked badge and a 127 marked wound badge. As you can see, the IAB looks like it has seen much better days.

First, is there anything I can do to clean it up a bit? It looks like some corrosion to the metal and some mud or dirt caked into the badge. I think that this was a battle field pick up by the vet. Still doing research on this fellow.

I assume in its present condition, its not worth a great deal. Can anyone give me an idea of value. Is it even worth trying to clean?

Thanks

P Frost

Front of badge.

[pfrost]

close up of the eagle. It looks like it was dropped in mud or something.

[pfrost]

the back. IT looks like SHuCo then under that 4 or 41?

The catch is smooshed.

[pfrost]

Finally, the bit of scrap book where the badges were attached. THe would badge is mis-identified as a hitler youth badge.

Again, because of the potential of more of the group becoming available, I would like to preserve as much as I can. However, am worried that the IAB is just to bad of shape.

I would really appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

Patrick

[theinglebaby23]

Dunno about the cleaning part, but it's 41. I'd estimate you could get around 80-90US if you had some good info on the vet (the more the better). Cool find.

Rich

[pfrost]

I know this isnt the forum, but the wound badge close ups.

[pfrost]

and the back. The catch and hinge are cast into the badge.

[fugpaw]

Giving the IAB some light vaseline treatment should help it no end. If you've got the chance to get some more of the gruop with provenance then I'd go for it (depending on price), looks like you have a nice find there.

[pfrost]

Hello,

Can you explain the vasaline treatment? Just rub it with vasaline, or let is soak?

Thanks

Patrick

[Bruce Simcox]

Hi Patrick......

......Nice badges. First of all a gentle cleaning with a soft toothbrush(or the like) to remove dirt and crap from the IAB is in order. We have a forum specifically explaining that kind of stuff

We also have a great search index available at the upper right side of this page.

Vaseline: apply to spots of corrosion(commonly referred to as zinc-pest) to seal from air, leave on for 24-48 hrs.....wipe off, again gently.

Hope this helps a bit.

[fugpaw]

Patrick - Bruce explained the vaseline treatment perfectly

[pfrost]

Thanks gentlemen,

I tried rubbing with a bit of vasaline and a Q-tip. Here are the results.

It looks much better to me, but is this is as good as it will get, or did I do more damage?

I think I will stop here and let it be for now.

Thanks again, you guys are great help!

Patrick

[pfrost]

detail on the front. Didn't want to rub it to much...my girlfriend was already giving me weird looks when I asked for the vasaline and some q-tips to try "something I just read on the internet" if you know what I mean.

[pfrost]

the back

[Frank Heukemes]

Hi P Frost,

The important part is to let the vaseline soak in for at least 24 hrs before you wipe it off again. Apply the vaseline thickly over the whole badge.