My search for an APB(S) for my collection has led me to this item - cased, no less. The owner is not a collector of awards and says it came as part of a larger acquisition of items from an antique dealer in the eastern US. Given the considerable discussion surrounding originals and post- war reproductions of this award, I have it on approval prior to purchasing.
In order to hopefully add to the body of accumulated understanding and knowledge about this award, I will post a number of pictures here for everyone's reference. To facilitate responses, I will also add my numbered comments about this specific badge and case, based upon research in reference books and as many threads as I could find on this forum.
I will greatly appreciate feedback and opinions from the more knowledgeable and experienced members whose names appear in the threads of this forum, all of which will help me to decide whether or not to invest in this particular item - if it is an original, period piece.
The Badge
1. I believe it to be zinc or tombac (non-magnetic) with a silver appearance (could it have been silver plated?). The finish does not look like the silver- wash noted on posted examples. On a few tiny spots at high points (eg. the skull) where some wear is apparent, I can see a copper colour under magnification. The recessed areas have a blackened appearance - possibly patina?
2. The semi-hollow back of this cast (?), 2-cutout, second-pattern badge is not maker-marked, but if I understand correctly could be a piece made by AGMuK?
3. The pointed, needle pin is magnetic, as is the round wire "C"-style retaining clasp and round mounting plate. The hinge is not magnetic. It is not the flat-bottomed barrel-type hinge and is soldered directly to the badge. There is no recessed area cast into the badge where this occurs.
4. The sword hilt "bump" is present (7mm) on the smaller pommel. The four dots are flat, not "dimpled".
5. The sunwheel swastika portion (9mm diameter) appears very slightly twisted to the left with the outer ring being slightly marred.
6. The blade shows a slight cutaway, although not pronounced, on the left side below the sundial swastika.
7. The fang on the upper left serpent is apparent, but not cut-out.
8. The detailed serpent scales are not "V-shaped".
9. The wreath (7-8mm) shows detailed leaves and acorns, and clear tracking lines on the outside and inside.
10. The skull (7mm x 10mm) shows no vertical suture lines on the forehead although traces of a vertical casting line are apparent. There are ridges around the eye sockets (like goggles) and the vertical teeth are separately detailed. The crossbones and leaves in this area are also well-defined.
11. Approximate measurements (against a ruler, not digitally-measured) are: 57.5mm high; 47.5mm wide. Weight (approximate): 32 grams.
The Case
1. Black paper/simulated leather covering (not dark green nor blue).
2. Silver lettering on top "Bandenkampf-Abzeichen".
3. White satin inside upper lid.
4. Black velour/velvet fitted inside lower portion (not blue nor burgundy).
5. Round, magnetic press-button opener and magnetic hinge.
Thanks, in advance, for your feedback.
John
In order to hopefully add to the body of accumulated understanding and knowledge about this award, I will post a number of pictures here for everyone's reference. To facilitate responses, I will also add my numbered comments about this specific badge and case, based upon research in reference books and as many threads as I could find on this forum.
I will greatly appreciate feedback and opinions from the more knowledgeable and experienced members whose names appear in the threads of this forum, all of which will help me to decide whether or not to invest in this particular item - if it is an original, period piece.
The Badge
1. I believe it to be zinc or tombac (non-magnetic) with a silver appearance (could it have been silver plated?). The finish does not look like the silver- wash noted on posted examples. On a few tiny spots at high points (eg. the skull) where some wear is apparent, I can see a copper colour under magnification. The recessed areas have a blackened appearance - possibly patina?
2. The semi-hollow back of this cast (?), 2-cutout, second-pattern badge is not maker-marked, but if I understand correctly could be a piece made by AGMuK?
3. The pointed, needle pin is magnetic, as is the round wire "C"-style retaining clasp and round mounting plate. The hinge is not magnetic. It is not the flat-bottomed barrel-type hinge and is soldered directly to the badge. There is no recessed area cast into the badge where this occurs.
4. The sword hilt "bump" is present (7mm) on the smaller pommel. The four dots are flat, not "dimpled".
5. The sunwheel swastika portion (9mm diameter) appears very slightly twisted to the left with the outer ring being slightly marred.
6. The blade shows a slight cutaway, although not pronounced, on the left side below the sundial swastika.
7. The fang on the upper left serpent is apparent, but not cut-out.
8. The detailed serpent scales are not "V-shaped".
9. The wreath (7-8mm) shows detailed leaves and acorns, and clear tracking lines on the outside and inside.
10. The skull (7mm x 10mm) shows no vertical suture lines on the forehead although traces of a vertical casting line are apparent. There are ridges around the eye sockets (like goggles) and the vertical teeth are separately detailed. The crossbones and leaves in this area are also well-defined.
11. Approximate measurements (against a ruler, not digitally-measured) are: 57.5mm high; 47.5mm wide. Weight (approximate): 32 grams.
The Case
1. Black paper/simulated leather covering (not dark green nor blue).
2. Silver lettering on top "Bandenkampf-Abzeichen".
3. White satin inside upper lid.
4. Black velour/velvet fitted inside lower portion (not blue nor burgundy).
5. Round, magnetic press-button opener and magnetic hinge.
Thanks, in advance, for your feedback.
John
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