IAB questions

[mike ross]

Hi
While I am new to the form, I have been collecting for about 37 years. I am an old dog learning new tricks.
The knowledge that the members share here is really impressive.
I would like to ask two basic questions.
First, I have an IAB marked W.H. I have seen this mark emphatically attributed to both the firm of Wilhelm Hobacher and to the firm of Walter Henlein. Which is correct?
Second, on a number of threads I have seen reference to the Vienna design of the IAB. I have run a number of searches, but cannot find the characteristics of this design. Would someone please let me know what this refers to.
My many thanks
Mike

[Graeme]

Hi Mike

Welcome to the forum.

The vienna design refers to the style of IAB used by vienna makers such as FO, WH, RS.
There are also unmarked badges that are hard to attribute to a particular maker.

Check out the above maker marked badges and you will see the distinct similarity in their design.

best regards
Graeme

[mike ross]

Graeme
Thanks very much. Are we refering to the design of the eagle, the wreath, oak leaves, rifle, bayonet, or what?
In other words what is distinctive.
Thanks again for your time
Mike

[greg.hays]

The entire front of the badge is common in most aspects between the makers RS, WH and FO but in particular the eagle is the one feature I focus on. That eagle head is what I have come to think of as "Vienna" or at least the most easily recognizable aspect. This common thread will be seen on the "vienna" makers or Trabbi (spelling) in terms of PAB's as well.

[mike ross]

Greg
Thanks very much,
That is exactly what I needed.
I should have mentioned, that while my collection is 37 years old, I have been inactive since the mid-80's, concentrating on WW1 militaria. Therefore, I am currently learning the new facts that surfaced in the last 20 years.
This form has been most helpful in regenerating my interest.
My thanks again to Graeme and Greg.
Again, is there any concensus on who W.H. is?
Thanks
Mike

[greg.hays]

I am so bad at remembering as I am used to the abbreviations but I believe it is Wilhelm Hobacher from Wien.

[mike ross]

Thanks again Greg
Mike