Silver PAB

[greg.hays]

Another Badge I've picked up in recent weeks in Germany, only cost me 18 Euro, so hopefully I won't feel too bad if it's not authentic. It is Maker Marked " Frank and Reif" and "Stuttgart". The pictures don't really show it but it is still 100% silvetr in terms of finish.

[skip]

Hi Greg,

must say that I don´t have very good feelings from your description. These F&Rs are one of the most common repros to be found. If its flat backed its certainly not good. If its scooped out on the back theres a good chance that its authentic. Try to get some pics up

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[greg.hays]

It is concave on the back, not at all flat. I'm having problems with my attachements, they show up when I post a message, but not when I submit. I'll try again.

[skip]

Greg,

just put one attachment per reply.

Skip

[greg.hays]

One last try, here it goes.

[greg.hays]

This is the back

[greg.hays]

Here is a shot of the back with the pin, the weird discoloration in the photo does not appear on the badge itself.

[Don D.]

Sorry but it is a fake. You can see cast marks on the back and the pin/catch is all wrong.
Don

[greg.hays]

Hi Don,
What exactly are cast marks, I'm very new to this. Also, concerning the pin and catch where can I find examples that are correct for this maker? Any help/clarification you can provide would be greatly appreciated

[Don D.]

Greg, use the search function on this forum and look for Frank & Reif PABS. The signs of casting are soft details, pitting etc...
Don

[keifer kahn]

It does look like a cast from an original,they then just attached their own hardware(hinge,catch,pin).They are definately the wrong fittings.
Originals of these were diecast.Diecasting involves pumping molten metal under pressure in to a mold.
This is hand cast,which basically means an impression of an original was done in probaly casting sand or dental plaster.Bubbling metal would be poured from a melting vessel into the impression,and allowed to cold harden.Chances are that air bubbles would of existed in the metal when poured,due the fact it is not pured under pressure and these remain with the cold hardened version.
Low pressure poured metal also can harden erratically,with the effect you get all types of shale effects with such pieces.You will also get that typical rough sandy textured effect,which basically is a reflection of the original casting sand that the metal was poured into.

regards keifer

[skip]

As Don and Kiefer already pointed out, its a cast copy of an original. The hardware is also a sure sign of a reproduction. Oh well for 18€ a good badge to learn from.

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