Assmann PAB with unusual finish

[Philippe DB]

Hi Guys,

This is a bronze zinc hollow Assmann with, at least for me, an unusual kupal colored finish.

Did anybody ever encountered an Assmann with this type of finish or cares to comment on it.

Thanks in Advance
Philippe

[Philippe DB]

reverse

[Philippe DB]

Maker Mark

[Ludwig]

-

Yes, it looks a little bit odd, but I am sure it´s´original.

[Don D.]

Philippe, I've seen other pabs that color. They were not Assmanns. I think one was a Zimmerman though. Look on Militariaweb. I think it is a reaction due to age that effects the pigment.

Don
ps-nice badge.

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Philippe,

I am not sure it is bronze, looks rather like a tarnished silver finish to me.

[Philippe DB]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the input. I posted the badge because for several weeks I broke my head over it and just couldn't explain the strange finish.

The finish is not only strange because of its color but also because of its porous texture, the hundreds of little holes are so small that the scanner can't even catch them.

So I really was in doubt. What was it a refinished badge or a finish that had reacted with the environment in a way that I had never seen before?

For myself I found the answer yesterday when I received a very worn down and probably ground dug bronze AWS PAB. As soon as I saw the badge a little alarm bell went off because of the color of that badge, a perfect match to the color of the Assmann. (cfr pic)

At this moment I'm convinced that the finish is original and that the many little holes in the finish are comparable to the burst open bubbles on the massive AWS. Why the reaction between the zinc and the finish leaves large pockmarks on the massive zinc badge and microscopic little craters in the finish of the hollow badge is something I can't explain, but I'm convinced that the color is a result from a reaction with something else, soil, moisture..........

All thoughts welcome.

KR
Philippe

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Philippe,

Check out the tarnish/patina on that e-boat. See what I mean about the badges being possibly silver finished?

[Philippe DB]

Dear Frank,


I suppose it's the color on the S-Boat's hull I have to focus on. Your correct I can see that red wine color discoloration.

However in relation to the 2 PAB's I find it difficult to imagin that they once could have been silver grades. I know its not a 100% rule but on most silver Assmann's you will encounter a silver reverse setup and that isn't the case on this one.

KR
Philippe

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Philippe,

I just thought the setup might be discolored silver as well.