crossed swords badge?

[Zeller]

Unfortunately i do not have any reference book on the matter: anyone could kindly ID for me a badge, similar to IAB but below the eagle having 2 large crossed swords?
Thanks in advance

[Tim B.]

Not sure here, but it sounds like you're referring to a Heer Shooting lanyard badge (shield). Example posted below.
Tim

***Photo is from one of Detlev's past sale items***

[Zeller]

Tim, this is it ! mine is dug,but its identical. THanks a lot

[Tim B.]

Anytime; glad to help.

[Robert P.]

Hello Tim,

How have you been? It's been a while since we crossed paths. I've been involved so much with the US stuff, but I'm making my way back into this area again.
On these lanyards, were the badges for the lanyards made of tombak or brass in the earlier years, or were they always zinc? And, as the other member said, his was dug. Now you'll know I'm a novice when I ask this...Were they (the lanyards) worn in dress only or were they worn to battle? A 'dug' item to me means that it was found on a field of battle.
Were officers issued these awards or just EM and NCO?

Robert...plenty of ????'s

[Tim B.]

Hello Robert!

Long time for sure. In answer to your questions, I don't know that much about them truthfully, never really got into collecting them as there are so many grades and the higher grades are hard to find in decent shape.

Here's what I do know:

- These were non-combat awards and you had the chance to only qualify once a year for each level of award, so it would take three years minimum to get the highest award.

- Authorized for wear on the service, parade, walking-out or guard uniform only.

- Officers were not authorized to wear the lanyards at any time.

- Again, I do not collect these, but assume most were made out of aluminum and possibly zinc later on.

Hope that helps, or others can join in the fun as well!
Tim

[Tim Curley]

I have been researching the Army marksmanship lanyards for some time. And I have been trying to find some period publication that identifies what the badges were made from. Not much luck so far.

Angolia and Schlicht state the early marksmanship badges were made from aluminum. The Assmann catalog which shows the early badges states they made them of "leichtmetall - altsilber or altgold". Having handled a fair number of lanyards, it appears to me many badges were made from "fine zinc" and the upper 4 grades may have been die stamped from some brass-like alloy.

[Robert P.]

Thank you both very much. I've learned a lot from you both. I did see a website tonight that offered an infantry lanyard 1st class. Very nice. There was also an early artillery lanyard with an aluminum shield.

None for officers? Hmmm.

Thanks for your help on this.

Robert