Funk & Bruninghaus IAB w/ "FLAT" pin

[Milton]

Hello folks. I just "reacquired" this badge from an old friend who'd had it for the last several years and wanted to toss it up on the forums for your perusal as it's the first I've ever come across in all my years with a flat wire pin set-up as you'll see. I believe the maker to be the Funk & Bruninghaus as the measurments and details appear to attest, not to mention that the obverse details are superb. I do believe it's a bronze badge due to its consistency in color, front and rear. I'd appreciate some feedback from you IAB experts on this one. Thx!

[Milton]

Reverse image

[Hans N]

The pin is a replacement, which can be seen on the reverse pic. The pin mark on the badge close to the hinge doesn´t match the positioning of the current pin...

[Milton]

Thanks for your response. Entirely possible and I'll have to have another closer look at it in person. If so, it most certainly does appear to be a period replacement, and the pin itself was most certainly well finished, to include its tip (point). Is it the assesment of the forum that this type of material (flat wire stock) wouldn't have ever been used in the original production? As there is a bit of play in the pin itself, it's also possible that the wideness of the recess where the pin meets the back of the badge could've been caused by this. I'll have a closer look at it this evening. Thx!

[stewy]

Hi there,Milton. Hans is right in his assessment. Stewy

[Hans N]

As there is a bit of play in the pin itself, it's also possible that the wideness of the recess where the pin meets the back of the badge could've been caused by this. I'll have a closer look at it this evening. Thx!

Then you would have more pin marks then one IMO.

[Milton]

Hello again gents. As I mentioned earlier, it could well be, however I must really admit that the photo may be somewhat deceiving, as when viewed in person, this badge truly displays no signs of having been reworked. No tool marks, no signs of duress to the hinge (from having a new pin installed), etc. However, if done professionally it'd more than likely not display much in the way of "hacking". I'll have a look at it again this evening through a good loop for a better assesment. Safe to assume however that neither of you have come across this type of flat wire before in your travels? I do really like this pattern of bage...heavy and well detailed. Thx!

[Hans N]

I didn´t say that the hinge was replaced, only the pin...

[stewy]

The mark left by the original pin looks to be of a different shape to the present pin. I could be wrong. I've never seen a pin of that shape on that badge. Regards Stewy

[Milton]

I hear you gents. That's the most plausible explanation anyway, as I too in my many years in this hobby haven't ever come across another w/ this type of pin. What're your feelings in regards to the finish? Bronze or silver sans remaining finish? It's very dark, smooth and consistent and I've always considered it a bronze badge.
Thx again.

[stewy]

First impression,i'd say silver. Stewy

[Milton]

Thanks Stewy. Could be, but I've got another F&B (that I posted in another thread last week) that's pretty much night and day away from this one color-wise. It's a tough call for sure!

[Thomas Durante]

Good observation Hans, and I would agree that its a replaced pin. Impossible to know if its a period replacement or not. Based on the color of the hinge and catch, I would say it was bronze grade.

Tom

[Hans N]

Like Tom, i´d say it´s a bronze judging the finish on the hinge and catch.

[Milton]

Thanks gents. If you compare this one w/ the other F&B that I posted in last weeks thread (some IAB's), there's really no comparison between the respective finish on the two. Granted, it could be just a variation on finishes based on wartime / material contingencies, but I've always leaned towards bronze on this one. Thx again.