PAB and IAB opinion request

[Calvin Hall]

Here's the "maker mark" on the reverse to the left of the hinge...

I say "maker mark", but is that really what it is?

Anyone have any thoughts on this one?

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Calvin,

That PAB looks killer, a very nice addition to your collection. I actually like the obverse of the IAB too with your new picture, but ready to see the reverse. I agree that the reverse looked suspicous from the earlier pics.

Tom

[Calvin Hall]

here's an overall shot of the reverse...

[Calvin Hall]

hinge...

[Calvin Hall]

catch...

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Calvin,

I like the IAB. I don't think its one I've ever seen before, but looks good to me for late war zink construction. IMO, the mark was probably added post war just by the look of the way the silver finish has "broken" around the circular part of the strike. I think you would find that from the finish being on the badge and fully cured for many years rather than a stamp applied to fresh brennlack or wash.

Obverse is the Vienna design, so maybe that is a clue to the maker.

Tom

[Don D.]

I like them both too. Any chance of a blow up of the mark on the IAB?