HEER FLAK - W.H. WIEN Opinions

[peterm]

Hi !

I have 2 of these "W.H. Wien" Flaks, both with the large "E" and both with a large lot of soldering at the catch.
Both were given to me by the (at that time) living veterans many years ago with other items as photos, award docs, uniform parts... One came with the Hobacher "Flakkampfabzeichen"-packet.

I personnally have no doubts, that THIS kind of "Wien-Flak-bage" (as shown on top of the thread) is a wartime original.

Regards,

Peter

[mmiller]

Tom, Andrew, Giel, Tom, & Peter,

Well all your comments are good news for me. I just had a good feeling and (with the badge in its inspection period) thought it was a fairly solid gamble.

It even has the little Hobachter 'shelf' on the inside lower arm of the catch.

Thanks, and keep comments coming.
Mark

[Tom Yanacek]

Hi !

I have 2 of these "W.H. Wien" Flaks, both with the large "E" and both with a large lot of soldering at the catch.
Both were given to me by the (at that time) living veterans many years ago with other items as photos, award docs, uniform parts... One came with the Hobacher "Flakkampfabzeichen"-packet.

I personnally have no doubts, that THIS kind of "Wien-Flak-bage" (as shown on top of the thread) is a wartime original.

Regards,

Peter

Hello Peter,

This is most interesting. One of the biggest complaints that I have heard repeatedly from collectors is that there has never been any examples of W.H. Wien Heer Flaks having provenance. The fact that you have two of these badges, actually given to you by the veterans themselves is truly incredible. If you still own these items that were given to you by the veterans, I would love to see some pictures. Would it be possible for you to post some pictures? I would enjoy seeing all the stuff, but especially the two Heer Flaks, the documents, and the Hobacher Heer Flak packet. This could really go a long way in settling the issue: W.H. Wien Heer Flak... fact or fiction?

Best regards,
Tom

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

Indeed, it would be great to see those pics? Do any of them show the flak in wear and if so, are they clear enough to verify the "vienna" design? That would indeed be a good connection. Also, does the packet say "heeres" flak, or just "flakabzeichen"?

Thanks

Tom

[mmiller]

Peter,

On the top of my 'to see' list is the packet! The badges are fine too! Well, plan on posting it all. This has potentially good news for the 'believers'.

Mark

[peterm]

Hi Tom, Tom and Marc !

First I have to apologize for writing "Heer Flak" in case of the packet. It is only the known one with "Flakkampfabzeichen" (as for Luftwaffe-Flak) on it.

Second: My problem is, that I have internet only at work, not at home. That is the reason why I don't post any pictures here. For this I would always have to drive to another town, take all the staff with me and ask a friend to scan the documents or take photos of the badges.

Veterans:
From the first one I will try to post the badge, packet and award doc with the help of a friend (as mentioned above) sometimes in the nearer future. I will check the photos I have, but I’m quite sure, that there is no postcard-size photo with the flak badge in wear.

Second one earned his badge on service in Africa and at least became Major i.G. and served with „Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Division HG 2“ until the end of the war. The familiy doesn’t want photos or docs beeing shown, so I can only take pics of the badge. Although the „heavy soldering“ of the catch on these badges, this one has lost the catch and the owner repaired it in a very individual manner…

I’m very sorry, that all that is not a proof and will not convince the ones with serious doubts – but for me (personnally) there are no doubts: The „W.H. Wien“-Heer-Flak-badge exists as a wartime-piece.

Regards, Peter

[Marc Garlasco]

This is very interesting! The badge type Mark shows is certainly different from the fakes floating around. Mark - Bring the damn thing to the MAX so we can all handle it buddy!
Marc

[mmiller]

Bring the damn thing to the MAX so we can all handle it buddy!
Marc

Hi Marc,

You still 'on the road'? Or home yet?

When I saw the badge listed on Haus of History, it was listed (as best as I could translate German) as a 'real one out of many fakes'. I thought, "Yea. Right." The more threads I read on this and other Forums, and checked posted examples, the surer I got that this one had none of the 'fake's' characteristics, and had some of the 'more convincing' example's characteristics.

I'm glad I gambled. I never paid any attention to this badge until I got your book. Seriously, you have rekindled 'Flak' for me. And provided a pictoral eduaction. (I like pictures. With words, I actually have to think!)

Excellent book. "It's a must read". N.Y.Times!

Mark

[Marc Garlasco]

I am in Geneva. The most boring city in Europe. Spent the morning trolling the huge flea market without any luck. At least it passed the time...
Marc

[mmiller]

Mi Marc,

Well at least there are no IEDs to contend with! I was in Geneva several times on business, after being in Lausaune. I prefer Luzerne, myself. It's more fun to explore, as not so 'business' oriented. And most critical, more 'eye candy' walking the streets!

My 1st/ 1st Tombak Luft Juncker just arrived. And also the Wiedmann LuftvZinc w/ narrow pin. The makermark is in the center reverse though, same location as the Wide Pin Wiedmann. I'm also expecting the Roudolf Souval Heer, Marked R.S., sometime next week. I'm outa control, courtesy of Mr. Garlasco.

Regards,
Mark

[westgotenkoenig]

badges from peterm´s collection

posting for peterm:

[Raytheman]

Both nono's for me..sorry