IAB material question...

[Nordmark]

Hi gang,




I got a question concerning this IAB. Is there any non destructive way to find out what material this badge is of? The weight maybe? I have heard different opinions about it. They go in two directions, tombak or zinc. I think it is a first pattern tombak piece, due to silvering and condition but again, I´m not sure.

No guessing, and I want facts!


Any help is appreciated!


Regards,

Daniel

[Nordmark]

...

[kenneth wolfe]

Hi

I think it's a tombak. You can tell if a badge is zinc by looking at the finish. I've seen a zinc badge that does not have some sort of bubbling no matter how little. Not only that zinc is normally rougher to the touch. Almost a dry feeling.



Kenneth

[Bruce Simcox]

Hi Daniel......

......Just going by the images you have provided I would say zinc. Why? you might ask. Because it looks as if(again judging from only these images) there is a grey coloring on some of the slightly worn highlights, as well as in the rifle butt area. Tombac will show as a yellowish metal. A close-up of the rifle butt area would be of big help.

Hope this helps some.

[Graeme]

Hi Daniel

As Bruce mentioned, close up pics of several areas would be helpful.

For me based on the fact that the finish has stood the test of time so well and the style of hardware I would go with tombak.

Zinc examples of this IAB are also much harder to find.

cheers
Graeme

[Don D.]

The dull metal on the rifle butt and the hinge with a footing leads me to beleave it is zink. A weight should tell you one way or another.