Stone-cold-liquid-nitrogen-mint

[Yuri D.]

I always thought the Bismarck was used as a model for this badge.

Yuri

Hi Yuri,

That's one of the nicest examples I've seen - congratulations!

HOWEVER - if the obverse details are of the Bismarck then it is a fantasy item

Regards
Mike K

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Yuri,

Battleship 101 - Both the Gneisenau & Bismarck class battleships had two main turrets (Anton and Bruno) forward of the bridge however the Gneisenau class had 3 x 28 cm guns per main turret whereas the Bismarck class had 2 x 38 cm guns per main turret.

Here's the intro pic from my article, which has never quite made it onto the website.

Regards
Mike K

I always thought the Bismarck was used as a model for this badge.

Yuri

[George Stimson]

Bismarck, late 1940.

[Mark S.]

I have the same blem on the swastika on my HSF badge too.

[Philippe DB]

Hi Mark,


I find this a amazing little mark. What does this tell us about the way these badges were finished. I always thought that the fire guilding was applied at the end, but then the dark finish of the ship could never be on top of the guilding

[Mark S.]

Hi Mark,


I find this a amazing little mark. What does this tell us about the way these badges were finished. I always thought that the fire guilding was applied at the end, but then the dark finish of the ship could never be on top of the guilding

The best I can figure is they used some type of elaborate masking process.

for example:

On some 2nd model Luftwaffe officers daggers, there exists gilding on the swastika on the pommel. It is interesting to note that on quality made examples, there is also gilding inside the pommel, at the screw end. The only way for the gilding to get inside there, is if the entire part was treated, and the parts not gilded were some how shielded from the process.

Due to the intricate nature of this masking, I am inclined to think it was some type of clay they pressed over the ungilded areas, as opposed to a paper or tape product. It would be simple to use, able to use repeatedly, and quick.

Now here is a question for you..(or anyone! )

Why is is we only see firegilding slopped on the reverse of the badge on HSF examples? Other KM badges by this maker dont have this trait. ..Only the Fleet badge.

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Mark,

Why is is we only see firegilding slopped on the reverse of the badge on HSF examples? Other KM badges by this maker dont have this trait. ..Only the Fleet badge.

Why do you think so? I have seen this on all their other badges as well. Well, maybe with the exception of the Auxiliary Cruiser because the whole reverse is golden there. But Destroyer, Minesweeper, Coastal Artillery, E-Boat, they all have it spilled on the reverse.

Cheers, Frank

[Mark S.]

youre right..my bad