IAB Trio: Wiedmann, JFS & Unmarked

[jwburchell]

Here are three from my stash which I am hoping can be confirmed as genuine, period originals. Below are the details. Comments and feedback will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

John

1. IAB (S) by Ferdinand Wiedmann in unworn condition. A late war example in grey "Kriegsmetal" alloy or zinc with traces of the silver wash evident on both sides. Quite thin with a smooth reverse that is slightly concave. The wide-base hinge assembly and hook-shaped retaining clasp are soldered directly to the base metal; and the pin is clipped-off at an angle and flat at the point...all non-magnetic.

[jwburchell]

Reverse:

[jwburchell]

Lower obverse close-up:

[jwburchell]

Upper obverse close-up:

[jwburchell]

Hinge area:

[jwburchell]

Retaining clasp & maker mark:

[jwburchell]

2. IAB (B) by JFS. This looks like a late war example of white metal alloy that had been bronzed. The concave reverse has a ball-type hinge and the shaped, flat metal retaining clasp are crimped into place. These are non-magnetic, as is the silver-coloured pin which has a tapered finish at the end but is flat on the point. The maker mark appears in raised letters below the ball hinge.

[jwburchell]

Reverse:

[jwburchell]

Lower obverse close-up:

[jwburchell]

Upper obverse close-up:

[jwburchell]

Hinge and maker mark:

[jwburchell]

Retaining clasp and pin:

[jwburchell]

3. IAB bearing no maker mark. The solid, die-cast zinc or white metal alloy displays excellent, crisp detail. While the obverse almost gives the appearance of being a bronze class award, in my opinion this is a silver class award with patina. As well, on the smooth, slightly concave reverse there is a substantial patch of silver wash remaining in the area of the hinge and back of the eagle & swastika. The hinge has been soldered in place; the retaining clasp has been repaired - as evidenced by the rather sloppy soldering job on the bronze or copper wire clasp; and the pin has a tapered, pointed tip. These fittings are non-magnetic.

[jwburchell]

Reverse:

[jwburchell]

Lower obverse close-up: