Numbered GAB Hardware??

[COLLECT36]

75 #'d gab

I agree with the other members statements.I own a #75 GAB and every part of the pin, hook,catch are magnetic!Their might be exceptions ,but as they say i like them "Textbook. Carl

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

I'm resurrecting this thread because the other day I received a PM from a member who has a JFS 25 GAB with a tombak catch saying that he was now very concerned, because of THIS thread, that it may now be a fake.

Dennis, this is not aimed at you - it was a good and valid question and a good topic for discussion!

Imo some of the responses in this thread have the potential to be VERY damaging in the long run and I'd like to clear them up. This is one of those threads which could easily relegate totally genuine badges to the fake pile. Of course, collectors have every right to go on believing what they want to believe though.

For the record, I've only encountered tombak catches, and only on JFS 25 GABs - SO FAR! All main pins and hinges on JFS CCCs, 75/100 GABs, #ed PABs, RK 25/50 GABs, RK LW clasps, RK/MuK5 LW GABs I've seen have been iron (magnetic), as have the hinges (but not, I suspect, the hinge pins).

Below are some rough scans and a close-up of the catch of a badge that some, apparently. would say is a fake. I'll buy any/every fake LIKE THIS - at a fake price of course

Personally I'd like those who doubt the existence/authenticity of EVERY #ed Assault Badge with part tombak hardware to either call the example below a fake or admit there ARE genuine exceptions - no wiggle room!

Measurements; 58.04 x 48.30 mm
Weight; 31.34 g

Regards
Mike

[Mike Kenny]

Reverse...

[Mike Kenny]

catch...

[Dennis GT]

Thanks Mike

Thanks Mike,
I did hope to get some opinions on this subject. Frank's book and the opinions of several collectors is in conflict. Frank said some pin and some catches are Tombak. Who else has one that has any of these features? As I said before the only Numbered JFS marked badge I have is all magnetic. I only want to know if Tombak hardware is OK on Numbered badges. I think Frank's book is clear that Tombak pins and catches are sometimes found, maybe even Tombak hinges are not out of the question.
The upshot of this is that Frank's books has several fakes in it. I do not belive it myself. I'm OK with the Tombak hardware. Like somethings in this hobby you must ride your own beef.

Dennis

[Jeff V]

Hi Mike, that is a 100% original badge as you know. When it comes to these badges nothing is absolute and it takes more than one oddity to make a fake. Unfortunately, these things have been faked to a high standard so due diligence is in order. Thanks for posting that beauty!
best wishes,
jeff

[Steve Mezey]

others

If you dig through the old posts on these GAB 25's by JFS on this very forum you will see what looks to be quite a few examples that have tombac catches,all given the thumbs up by the forum members.

Steve M.