PAB thoughts. Unmarked and solid back

[AZartman]

one more

one more

[Don D.]

Here are the give aways for me. First, if the hinge was made of tombak/brass/etc... the pin would not be able to dent it like this.

[Don D.]

Next, the hinge pin would be a distinctly different piece and not be filled in like this.

[Don D.]

And if this "catch plate" was the real thing it would be made of tombak/brass and you could have easily soldered on another catch without drilling a hole. This "catchplate" is a mound formed by the catch plate of the real pab used to cast this fake. Try rubbing this badge on paper and see if it leaves a mark. If it does it has lead in it which real badges never had.

[AZartman]

It left a faint mark. I'll chalk it up and add it to the bazarre section. thanks for your patience and sharing with me. I know it can get old. So another fake. no worries.

[Don D.]

The reason I know is because I got screwed by a GAB with a set up just like this once. If you glance at the hinge/pin it looks ok but once you examine it closely it just doesn't add up.

[AZartman]

point taken

[Christopher G.]

I think this one is a fake.....before even looking at the reverse I thought it was a fake because the detail just isnt there. Then I took a look at the back and it didnt change my opinion it just proved my previous thoughts on the badge.

Regards,
Chris G.

[keifer kahn]

Have to disagree on the comment about badges not having lead in them.
Wartime zink alloys contained a small percentage of lead.Lead is a common element of zink alloys even now.
Kriegsmetall(crude zink alloy),of which a lot of late war badges are constructed contained a higher percentage.The lead in the alloy is one of the leading contributors to late war badges having excessive finish loss.
A typical zink alloy was "Zamak",which was a zink,LEAD,cadmium and tin alloy.

You can also read the reference to lead in the badge construction reference in the awards section.

Id also be wary of assuming that if a badge marks paper it instantly contains lead.Zink builds up oxidization over time(gray shale type oxidization) and rubbing it on paper simply cleans that oxidization off(Also take dirt coming off in to account,also patina).Same as if you rub a piece of rusty metal on paper,the residue comes off.
What should happen is if you rub a zink badge on paper and residue does come off,continue to rub and the marking on the paper should stop as the oxidization is removed and fresh zink is exposed.
Lead will continue to mark the more you rub,just like a pencil wearing down.

[AZartman]

Well that is exactly what happened it stopped marking as much after the initial rub with a previously unrubbed area (if that makes sense). I also tested if the badge was magnetic. It was not. However the hinge is strongly attracted to the magnet, strong enough that the badge will dangle from the hinge and the magnet. The badge is worn...I hate to throw it in the bin.

[Don D.]

Interesting development. Perhaps it is your pics that make the badge look worse than it actually is. I guess I will have to remain undecided for now.

[Dennis GT]

How long ago did did you get this PAB? Does the plate for the catch still show a place where an old catch might have been? I still think that a bad solder job is the main reason this one looks so bad. I still say Good. But if you think it's still fake sell it to me, OK?

Dennis

[AZartman]

I got this badge over 15 years ago. My uncle picked it while living it Switzerland. I'm afraid because I didn't take out my whole lighting photo kit on this one it looks worse then what it is...I'm looking at the solder job thinking it is actually pretty darn good. but that's just me...well I think I'll hold onto this one. My uncle has picked up good pieces for me in the past so I'll have to thank him next time I see him in march.

Next time I pull out my photo kit I will post better quality pics of this one.

Alex

[Dennis GT]

Good for you, keeping it is the way to go. I learned something new on this thread too. I'm glad you posted it and it was good to see one discussed as much with the different opinions. Pictures sometimes make a good badge look bad.

Dennis

[Don D.]

Yes, a good discussion all around. Better than a bunch of thumbs up or not for my collections.