Another IAB - is it real?

[judorichard]

Hi guys!

Here is another IAB I bought recently. This one walked into the Army Surplus store I manage in California. The sellers said their father had brought it back from WWII. It came with a War Merit Cross 2nd class with swords that seems genuine although very worn.

What do you guys think? Is it real?

Richard.

[judorichard]

the pics

...and here are the pictures!

Richard.

[judorichard]

more pics

More pics.

[Nordmark]

That´s a good one...

[Hans Kondor]

Original by unknown maker, so called "cut out" swas IAB. Possible maker, Meybauer.

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Richard,

I agree with the others, that one is a perfectly fine original that was likely made by Meybauer.

Tom

[Graeme]

Hi Richard

Looks like a good one

It is known by many collectors as the "missing leaf" IAB, due to the fact that the hollow variant of this design is missing the leaf between rifle sling and rifle butt. It is believed that with this later zinc badge they tried to correct this, resulting in a rather sad attempt.
The earlier hollow versions, had solid and cut out swas variants, which is where some of the confusion comes from.

The easy and quick way to recognise this IAB, the gap between the top of the rifle butt and the wreath has a very distinctive and unique diamond shape. From a distance you can't get it wrong.

Over the last couple of months I have seen the casual comment that these were probably made by Meybauer. I do not think that this link to Meybauer has been discussed on WAF, so I will open a thread later and hopefully you guys and other can explain it.

cheers
Graeme

[judorichard]

Phew!

Hi guys.

Thanks for the replies. I'm glad this one is good. That puts me at 50% for the month! (one fake IAB off of Gunbroker and this good IAB that walked into my store. That's the nice thing about managing an Army Surplus store; I occasionally get walk-ins with nice militaria for sale!

I think the obvious lesson here is buy from the E-stand or direct from vets. DON'T buy from Gunbroker!

Richard.

[judorichard]

Thanks Graeme

Thanks for the info Graeme.

I see what you mean about the"diamond". That's a very useful tip. It would be interesting to identify who the maker was. I look forward to reading your proposed thread.

I have now gently wiped clean and ren. waxed the badge and added it to display. One more genuine badge preserved for posterity!

Richard.