Original Flat Back Zinc Panzer Assault Badge

[Brian C.]

Mine is heavy also, and has the same horizontal lines on the back. I don't know how scientific a metal test this is, but is smells like a handfull of pennies. Zinc maybe?

[Frank Heukemes]

Hi Marty,

Concerning the idea that all flat back PAB except FLL are phoney, I think one has to wonder if that was the case, why didn't that principal apply to iron crosses (1st class), gold and silver wound badges, war merit crosses (1st class), etc.

I cannot follow that kind of logic.

Cheers, Frank

[MartyC]

flat back PAB

Frank
I can not follow the logic either !

Basically, we hear that the only known flat back PAB is an FLL. However, Detlev sold me a flat back PAB that I also believe to be original. Several others on this thread have also purchased similar badges that they believe to be original, so the question remains--were there any other flat back badges and are these original?

I suppose until one of us actually recieves one of these directly from a vet, that says he pulled it off a panzer wrapper or in the case of our bronze off a grenadier's tunic, we will not know for sure.

Marty

[MartyC]

PAB

Frank
I think I missed your real question. What I had attempted to say earlier was that I did not know why PABs (except the FLL) would have to be scooped, hollow or vaulted to be original. This probably would not be a design requirement considering that many Iron Crosses, War Merit crosses and solid wound badges, were not vaulted.
I do agree that if the PAB is flat back, that one needs to be cautious and suspect a copy.
In my case I am relying on the source of the badge I purchased, which was from Detlev. so...

Marty