Question about Hobacher IABs (Block Hinge Variety)

[Rob83]

I am sure Fischer can help me out with this and a few of you can clear this up for me. I just recently picked up a new IAB. The type mentioned in the title. No pics just yet, but I will get some up there. My question is it is a zinc based badge in silver. There are a few small areas showing the base metal and most of it has its silver finish, but on a few areas like the eagle's wing and the rifle there is what appears to be a copper like finish below that. Is that still correct? I bought it from a very reputable dealer.

[Giel VW]

Hi Rob,

Many makers during the TR made use of copper undercoating. Right now I can not recall seeing a WH IAB with a copper coating but it looks promising as it could perfectly be.

Looking forwards to your pictures.

[Rob83]

Thanks Giel, I know it is abit tough to make a judgement call without photos. I dont doubt its authenticity, but I did see a few of this variety on the forums, but none with that copper undercoat, will get some photos as soon as I can

[Graeme]

Hi Rob

It will be interesting to see your badge. Mine does not appear to have a copper undercoating, but would not be too surprised if they had used it, although I do not recall having seen one. Quite often WH badges show up with very nice finish though.

cheers
Graeme

[fischer]

Hi Rob

I agree with both Giel and Graeme...I have seen IAB's with a copper base under the finish but I do not recall seeing a W. Hobacher with a copper undercoating.

Sounds like an interesting badge, I look forward to seeing your pics.

Best Regards, fischer

[Rob83]

I have several photos finally. the first one is showing the area where you can see it the most Take note of the wing and the rifle. and in the photos of the post above you can see it on the MM itself and the bayonet.

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[Rob83]

and more of the badge in general.

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[Flemming]

Strange looking finish to front. It looks rather rough to me?

Could be the pictures, I don't know?

/Flemming

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Rob,

Nice original Hobacher in my opinion. I do see some rough finish, but I wonder if this is just do to a possibly bad storage condition. I like the look of the reverse hardware and think its a good badge.

As to the finish, I too don't recall seeing any Hobachers with a brass undercoating. From your pics, I can't tell if there is a true brass undercoating, or if it is the silver finish toning down to be more bronzish-looking in places. I have seen some other poorly stored IABs, where the finish looks both bronze and silver and the only answer that makes sense to me is that the finish is toning as it ages.

Tom

[Giel VW]

Hi Rob,

I agree with Tom, nice original badge, lovely thick finish.

I don't believe we have a copper or brass coating underneath, it looks like discoloration of the silver finish. On the worn places one would expect to see traces of this you can see plain zink and nothing else.

[Rob83]

Thanks for the replies. I suppose it could just be toning to the finish then, it only looks rough on the rifle and the tip of the right wing (viewer's perspective) where the base metal is present.

I got this piece from militaria-berlin so there was no doubt in my mind to it being authentic after taking a look at a few hobachers on this forum. It was not until I actually had it in hand that I noticed the toning as it did not show on the pics on the site. Nothing wrong with that it seems almost impossible to photograph a badge to look the way it does in hand. My first purchase from them and I will do business with them some more in the future.