Did all JFS numbered GABs have magnetic pins?

[RobertE]

I appreciate any help you numbered GAN experts can provide. Some of these seem to have magnetic pins, while others don't. Do original 25, 50, 75, and 100 GABs all have magnetic pins, or is it acceptable to have non-magnetic as well.

I appreciate the help! regards, Robert

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Robert,

This is a good question. I can tell you for certain that all JFS CCCs I have handled and studied all had magnetic pins. The same can be said with JFS #PABs, they all have had magnetic pins in my experience, and DeBock mentions this as well in his PAB book. So there is very good consistency here that JFS pins are all magnetic.

It has also been my experience with #GABs that all the JFS examples I have personally studied have had magnetic pins. But in the Heukemes GAB book, Frank mentions that some tombak pins were used. I don't know what he based this information on, but I have to think that he found a few that he felt were original that had tombak (non-magnetic) pins.

Because of the consistency with JFS CCCs and #PABs of always using magnetic pins, I would be very suspicious of any #GAB that has a non-magnetic pin. But if everything else on the badge looked 100% ok (rivets, hinge, catch, finish, obverse detailing, etc). then I wouldn't discount it just because of the pin IMO.

Tom

[Bob Hritz]

I know of a bronze 75 Tank assault badge by JFS that has a tombak pin. It is otherwise exactly the same as all originals. It is the only JFS numbered assault badge I have ever seen with a non-magnetic pin.

Bob Hritz

[RobertE]

Hmmm. Thanks Tom and Bob. It sounds like they may have existed, but all other elements had to be spot on.

regards, Robert

[Nordmark]

"All have ever" is imo the dumbest phrase when it comes to collecting third reich militaria. I would rather go with "most and some".




Regards,



Daniel