Pictures of my original Marine Combat Clasp

[dm5000]

OK, be mad, it’s a little bit of a bait and switch. Keep in mind that I HAVE included pictures of my original Marine Combat Clasp (1957) manufactured by BSW, so don’t sue me for false advertising.

For all the 4 letter words that get associated with 1957 awards, I am very happy with the ones I have so far. The Marine-Frontspange 1957 came from Huesken and is the latest addition to my “filler collection.” About 2 years ago, I got rid of all of my fake fillers, and I have never looked back. For those of you still looking for “fillers” I would have you consider the following regarding the value of using 1957 awards over fakes:

1.These are genuine awards….Intended (theoretically, at least) to be worn by the brave men who earned them.
2.The investment is fairly small, most sell for $15-$40USD
3.Sleep well, you have the real thing. (Please don’t anyone tell me they are faking 1957s now)
4.You are taking a stand against the fake market… a drop in the ocean, yes, but a good thing nonetheless.
5.THEY ARE NOT SO BAD. This BSW clasp is solid, has nice details and a decent pin and catch.

Lets face it… There are dozens of awards that 99.99% will never own because of their rarity. Right now you can find 1957 versions of:

Naval Small Units Combat Badge
Flyer Commemorative Badge
Anti-Partisan Badge in Gold
Balloon Observers Badge
Numbered GABs/PABs
Warsaw Shield
Lappland Shield


I think the bad rap comes from the 1957 EK/RKs that have that tacky “stay bright” alloy. I own all the Eks (except the GK) in late 1957 version and I have to agree that they don’t compare to the originals. So much so that I have had to remove black paint off the rim with an exacto knife and I have gone to “muting” the stay-bright alloy with a paint wash.

But do yourself a favor and give 1957 warbadges a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised.
I would love to see some photos of other people’s favorite 1957 warbadges….
Regards,
Dave

[George Stimson]

mine

I consider the 1957 badges to be legitimate versions of the wartime pieces. Thus, I have tried to acquire these newer versions of the badges in the fields I collect. One of those fields is Kriegsmarine. I've managed to get all of the '57 awards except the Schnellboot Kriegsabzeichen. Here are my examples of the bronze and silver U-Boot Clasps and the Close Combat Clasp in gold:



I'll post more tomorrow.

George

[dm5000]

You learn something new everyday...

The Marine Combat Clasp was awarded in Gold? Wow.. you learn something new everyday... Thanks for the great pics George

I thought I saw a 1957 Schnellboot online somewhere recently... Ill see if I cant find the URL...

Regards,
Dave

[Stijn David]

model 57 's

Hello,


Not really my terrain but i hope my friend Herwig ( you can reach him by looking into the members and search for this name !!! ) wil jump in on this one, he is namely also a collector of the 1957 pieces and the denazified pieces => ps : nice ones you have there.


Greetings,

[George Stimson]

A couple of comparisons....

Wartime and 1957 IABs:



Wartime and 1957 GABs:



George

[George Stimson]

And just so nobody will feel too ripped off by Dave's thread title, here is an original wartime Kriegsmarine Close Combat Clasp in bronze:




George

[dm5000]

Thanks George...

Thanks for coming to the rescue with the pre-45 Naval Combat Clasp... Two Questions...

1. I cant find any reference to a Marine Combat Clasp being issued in anything but bronze.... Why would there be a gold grade created in the 1957s?

2. Are all your 1957s maker marked?

Thanks,
Dave

[George Stimson]

Dave

"1. I cant find any reference to a Marine Combat Clasp being issued in anything but bronze.... Why would there be a gold grade created in the 1957s?"

That is a very good question and something I have also wondered about.

"2. Are all your 1957s maker marked?"

No, none of them are.

George

[BadBob]

Hello all.......I've recently seen one of these with an L/58 stamped pin..........It's in the 1957 configuration.........81 X 24mm.......Is this familiar to anyone?

[Mike Coleman]

Does anybody out there have a good source for '57 badges? I get tired of folks trying to pass them off for hundreds of dollars as pre '45 with a fake hallmark or LDO number stamped on the back. I think many of them are nice. I feel the '57 cross in gold is a more attractive design then the original WW 2. Mike C.

[R v Kempen]

could someone post a 1957 DKiG??

i've heard alot about it but i haven't seen one

great pictures all!!!!

Richard van Kempen

[François SAEZ]

From Michel L. 'collection

[François SAEZ]

2

[François SAEZ]

3

[W. C. Stump]

FROM MY COLLECTION

Here is an example of a field made Marine Frontspange and a presentation document.