MK mark on the Infantry Assault Badge

[Yuri D.]

I have a question that has been bothering me for quite some time. The "MK" mark on Infantry Assault Badges in a triangle that has been attributed the "Hauptmunzamt" maker does not make sense to me. Is it "MK" or "MH" because it definitely looks like a "MK" and if so, what does the "MK" really stand for? Where did people get the Munich Hauptmunzamt information? Any ideas?

Yuri

[Matt Weber]

I believe I have one of these badge that you are referring to. It is a silver infantry assault badge. This is a pretty rare maker to find now a days. email me for pics.

As for the letters, it is an "KM" in a triagle. I'm not really sure what the letters "KM" stand for? I do know that the letters "M.H." are for Moritz Hausch, Pforzheim. I don't know where the Muchen idea came from as my listing of makers puts Hauptmunzamt in Berlin C2, Unterwasserstr.244, and also lists another shop at Wien III/40, Am Heumarkt 1.

Its' just like the "W.H." that most people think is from Wien, but is actually Gablonz. A good way to spot fakes of this maker is that the fakers usually mark the badge "W.H. Wien."

Perhaps someone else knows what the "KM" stands for?
Matt

[Mark S.]

I am still trying to figure out that HD on Herman Aurich badges. Shouldnt it be HA? Is that D symbol some sort of Germanic A? Then theres that other weird mark on badges that look like Aurich badges, but those arent even letters, they look like a B and a right angled line.

[Yuri D.]

This is the logo that I am talking about:

<img src=http://www.bender-publishing.com/display/km.jpg>

[ERIC S.]

Hello Mr. Schroeder,
On the Aurich marked badges, it looks like they killed two birds with one stone. Under the "H" it seems to be a stylized "A" when looking straight at it, but looking at it sideways it looks like the letter "D". The "D" could stand for the city of Dresden, where their firm was located, while the "H" and "A" are for Hermann Aurich. Just a thought!
ERIC

[Matt Weber]

Eric is right, It is an "HA". The "H" is laying sideways on top of the "A". Its' funny you called it an "HD" since most people call it an "IA", since the "H" on top of the "A" looks like an "I". If you look at it sideways it would really be "DH".

Yuri, I am familiar with this maker mark, but it appears that your marking is stamped. Is this correct? This maker mark should be in raised relief, not stamped. I also noticed that the "K" doesn't look right. The legs on the "K" should be curved, not straight. Also the legs on the "M" usually don't strech to the corners of the triangle like yours does. They stop at the same point as the "K" legs do. Also, the IAB by this maker should have an inset ball type hinge, needle pin, and an inset "?" catch as well.

Matt

[Yuri D.]

Eric,

What is the maker's name??

Yuri

[ERIC S.]

Hi Yuri,
I take it you're refering to the " KM " mark? My understanding has always been for the Hauptmunzamt, Munchen firm. I believe Mike Tucker's book also identifies it with this maker.
ERIC

[Ron Birch]

Eric I think the question is why "KM" and not "HM", I would like to know myself, good question. Also does anybody know what EWE stands for or who it represents?

[Hugh W. Brock]

Try "Koenigliche Muenzamt" or "Royal Mint". Someone in Europe know for sure? The KM mark is usually referenced by European dealers as being the Vienna mint, and that should be pretty easy to verify since it probably still is in operation. Coin dealer books?

The Prussian mint mark on the early pin-back miner medal is "Preussische Staatsmuenze" or "Prussian State Mint". On the later-date life saving medal (1937+) it is just abbreviated: "Pr. M. Bln" or "Preussische Muenze[Muenzamt] Berlin" for "Prussian Mint Berlin". There were royal mints in Stuttgart, Munich and ? also.

[Matt Weber]

You must all be looking in Mikes' book, because the maker you are all referring to is actually "Bayer Hauptmunzamt, Munchen."

I can't seem to find "EWE" on my makers' listing. Do you happen to know the LDO number for this firm?

Matt

[Ron Birch]

Hello Matt,

I don't have an LDO number for EWE, I don't think anybody knows who this firm is. I guess it is kinda like the "daisy" variant of a PAB, nobody really knows, some think it is Junker but no real proof. By the way this mark is on a PAB in bronze, just thought I would throw it out there and see what I got.........thanks for your response.

[Matt Weber]

Ron,

Yes I have seen this maker before, and yes it usually was on a panzer badge. I just can't seem to remember the makers name? Its' right on the tip of my tounge too!moremad Doesn't that piss you off??? If I remember it, I'll let you know.

Matt

[Ron Birch]

Thanks again Matt, I'm very curious about the maker of the badge, I'll keep an eye out on this thread.