...And regarding "when" the pin was swapped out, all I can say is that I originally purchased this badge around 20 years ago (when these things were all over the place and could be had for around $20.-30.00 on average), hence not really worth the extra effort. Taking that into consideration, plus the obvious care and quality that was undertaken in replacing the pin, I must conclude (in my estimation at least), that it was done by or for its original recipient. The overall patina of the hardware itself (especially when viewed in person) would additionally emphasize this point. Thanks again for your time and input w/ this one!
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Hello again gents. Well, an extreme close up w/ the loop confirmed it, it was indeed swapped out. There's another mark adjacent to the present pin pressure point, and upon even closer examination of the sharp end of the pin it's clearly evident that it was very finely hand-filed. So, mystery solved and hats off to Hans for his excellent observation on this one! Judging by the patina of the overall pin / hinge / catch assembly, it appears that this was done long ago, more than likely during its original time of wear. Thx again!Comment
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Hi Milton
I agree, good spot by Hans on the pressure point marking on the badge. But even if the point matched up with the pin, this was very likely a replacement pin. Never seen a pin like yours on this maker, although to answer your earlier question there are a few badges with flat wire stock pins.
I also agree with Tom that this pin could have been replaced at any time prior to you picking it up. It is easy to do and would certainly improve the badge if at some stage it was found without a pin. I think you should accept this rather than trying to convince yourself it was a period replacement.
Can we also have some side and close up shots of the catch, there is definitely something strange about it. I do not recall the soldered set up badges of this maker having a rectangular catch plate, and yours definitely looks repaired.
There is a crimped set up similar design IAB that uses a rectangular catch plate and so the plate may be original to the badge, as the maker of the soldered set up and crimped set up were very possibly one and the same.
regards
GraemeComment
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Hi Graeme, and thanks for your reply. For me, it's not a matter of having to convince myself one way or the other, as when I'd originally acquired this badge, they were only selling for a scant $20.00 or $30.00, and for what it's worth, I'd take my hat off to someone who'd bother putting the time in on sprucing up such an inexpensive item, all things being relative. It makes far more sense to me that if it were replaced this well, it'd have been done so that it could've continued to have been worn, but it's really irrelevant. As for the hinge and / or catch being replaced also, if the photo doesn't attest to it, I can assure you that in person, it certainly doesn't appear to have been molested at all in the recent past, but I'd be happy to post another shot of the hardware for you. I most certainly appreciate your willingness to scrutinize the details of this piece further! The corners of both the hinge and catch plate are clipped at a .45 angle as you may be able to ascertain in the photos. Additionally, the camera flash accentuates the solder beneath the catch plate much more so than is evident in person. Both the hinge and catch plate sit quite flush to the badges' surface. Thx!Last edited by Milton; 11-05-2008, 09:17 PM.Comment
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...and anotherComment
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Hi
A shot from the bottom end on, with pin up might be helpful
regards
GraemeComment
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Wow Graeme, you're up late! I'm about to sign off, so perhaps tomorrow?
thx again!Comment
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Here you go...sorry 'bout the quality. Had to use an older camera today w/ much less definition, but I hope it'll show the details you were looking for.Comment
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Flatpin IAB (Silver)
Fellow members:
I have an unmarked IAB flatpin that I planned to post. It's the only one Iv'e ever seen and was therfore sceptical about it. It's definately not a rework and it's credible aspects look good? I can't recall but, I'm certain it does'nt have the same hinge type. I picked it up in Germany where I lived 12 yrs, and still married to one. Nevertheless, I ensure you will be entertained. I will be out of this hole in 2 weeks and become a paid member so I can post pictures of my goodies back home so,,,"stand-by!!!"
MSG Mendoza -Ray- Mark
101st Airborne Division.
Baghdad, IraqComment
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It looks like the catch type that is used to the crimped in type of F&B IAB´s.Regards
Hans N
Don´t throw away your fake WB´s! Get in touch with me.
I collect them for reference purposes for the benefit of the hobby (for the right "fake" price of course).Comment
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Hi Hans
Yes thats what I was saying in post #18.
But with the new pics I still think there is a strange solder connection between the catch and the catch plate, it certainly does not sit well. Not right IMO.
Unless we can get in focus close pics we won't get any further....
Anyway, here is a maker marked example I have had for a long time, that has a "hybrid" pin.
It is flat and round.
I have always felt this was a replacement, although it fits well and has a nice tension. From the open pin picture you can see a couple of pressure points on the back of the badge.
Anyway, not a bad looking badge.
cheers
GraemeComment
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reverseComment
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reverse openComment
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Nice "hybrid" L/56 mate
I agree that it looks like another replaced pin judging the tension marks on the badge.
I almost regret selling my L/56 IAB when i see yours although mine where is a worse condition than yours in terms of wear and finish.Regards
Hans N
Don´t throw away your fake WB´s! Get in touch with me.
I collect them for reference purposes for the benefit of the hobby (for the right "fake" price of course).Comment
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Nice badge Graeme. I know my last pix weren't the best, so I'll try again this weekend, but I can say that the hinge and catch plate on my badge sit quite flush to the badge's surface. When next I can post a new c.u. w/ my better camera I'll endeavor to do so so you can have a better idea of how it really appears. Regardless of if / when the hardware was swapped out, it's still a great looking original badge. Thx.Comment
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