Another Army Balloon Observer's Badge

[W. C. Stump]

NEW ARMY BALLOON OBSERVER'S BADGE OR AN ORIGINAL JUST SURFACED. OPINIONS PLEASE.

This old horse had been beat to death, but recently a badge of interest has came on the collector's scene from a German collector. This badge comes as close to looking like the original design badge of Elmer Lang and Dr. Klietmann's era than any I have seen. It is at least not one of the hump back flawed badges taunted as original now for nearly 30 years. If it is a new fake we will seem them sprouting from every dealer's table shortly, but if it is one of the few original trial copies it can be considered a break through revolution for the history of this elusive and mysterious badge.

[W. C. Stump]

Full Obverse.

Full obverse of The Silver Army Balloon Observer's Badge.

[W. C. Stump]

Full Reverse

Full reverse of the Army Balloon Obverse's Badge in Silver.

[Joseph D'Errico]

Hi Bill,

Just a question, what are we trying to resolve about this piece ?

Is that it is original, existed ? I am confused as to what you are looking for us to say about this piece or any of the Balloon Observer pieces.

Not being sarcastic, I would love to contribute, but I thought that we more or less covered the background on the piece as far as it could go.

Best,
JD

[W. C. Stump]

Hi Bill,

Just a question, what are we trying to resolve about this piece ?

Is that it is original, existed ? I am confused as to what you are looking for us to say about this piece or any of the Balloon Observer pieces.

Not being sarcastic, I would love to contribute, but I thought that we more or less covered the background on the piece as far as it could go.

Best,
JD

Joseph.

Please read what I posted in my opening remarks. This is the FIRST piece of its kind that I have ever encountered. Assuming you have been in on this badge discussion over the many months, you know that some advocates believe that a "Few examples" were made during the war. It is accepted that a design copy was approved, but it DID NOT have a flawed wing producing a large hump on the neck of the National eagle. This badge is void of a die flaw. If original, it is a break through in the information know known. If a new fake if is something to be on the watch for in the future. In short, what has been discussed in the past has nothing to do with this example.

[Joseph D'Errico]

Hi Bill,

Understood ! I have had the privilage of examining two examples thought to be original from one of the most respected collectors. If the ones I examined were fake then as far as I feel in my thoughts than their were never any produced.

I can say that the pieces did not have the flaw that you speak of. Not sure that really helps but just sharing an experience.

Best,
JD

[Brian S]

I think this badge certainly looks very attractive. Now if we can determine through side by side comparisons that it matches one of the ones said to be an original by Klietmann, that's all we'd still be able to say. Hopefully, a paper and photograph will surface showing the manufacturer's photograph, or, a balloon vet with documents AND photos will appear. At this point a vet and a badge wouldn't cut it for me. Not this many years down the pike. But if you were going to believe in a balloon badge, I think it would have a catch and pin/hinge assembly like this. But, again, the fakers know how to match all these components and know what would look "convincing". I don't think we're there by any stretch but this is the best one I've seen, which again, doesn't put a candle on the cake quite yet, for me I don't think you have to eat that bird yet Bill