Just got this one in the mail: an unmarked Luftwaffe Observer badge with a Tombak wreath and an aluminum eagle. This badge has the same attachment devices as the unmarked mystery Pilot's and Pilot/Observer's Badge that have the GWL characteristics. The eagle on this Observer looks nothing like the eagle on a GWL Observer, which pulls me further and further away from the belief that GWL was in any way involved with the manufacture of these types of badges:
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Reverse: -
The characteristic "?" catch:Comment
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And the lay-down block hinge:Comment
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Hi Yuri, you are right, 100% 'unknown maker' and an early one too, even down to the die flaw on the second laurel leaf which seems to be on most of the early types..
Was this the one from the 'H.W' site? Had a look at it, myself..
I've posted my early plated PB, which shows the same flaw...
Nice find, my friend...Comment
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John,
Different site. When I found this badge, I've never seen the Observer badge from this maker. And the price was right, so I had to get it. Interesting variation though: Tombak + aluminum. This badge is very light.
YuriComment
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Yuri
Thats a very attractive badge. I find these types very interesting
and have done a bit of study on them. I have seen at least two others
that were identical to this one. One was on either Weitze or Winklers
web site and one other did a stint on Manions. Can't recall the prices.
What I personally find interesting about these badges by the "unknown maker"
is that their P&0, pilot, observer and para badges appear to share the same
wreath. Or at least they all seem to exhibt that same "dimple" on the end
of the third oakleaf from the bottom. I haven't noticed the flaw that John
points out. Thats one I'll have to look for. Neither the early pilot or the
later zinc P&O badges I have exhibit have that little "pimple" flaw on the
laurel side.
Anyway, Yuri, your newbi has an honest look to it.
BR
Ken
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Amazing find! Congrats!!
Visit my Badge Collection: http://lbmilitaria.homestead.com/home.htmlComment
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Wonderful badge. I love all the badges with aluminum components. Now there is this type to look for.
Bob HritzIn the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can muffle the sound.Comment
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Thanks guys. I've been having very good luck with Observer badges lately. Acquiring quite a collection.
YuriComment
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Yuri: "The eagle on this Observer looks nothing like the eagle on a GWL Observer, which pulls me further and further away from the belief that GWL was in any way involved with the manufacture of these types of badges"
I totally agree!
Nice find.<!-- / message --><!-- attachments -->Comment
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Hi Yuri,
How does this one match up?
Regards,
Neil
Obverse:Comment
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Reverse:Comment
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I'd say it's a dead ringer.
YuriComment
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Thought it was Yuri, be interesting to see if a zinc version ever comes up?
Regards,
NeilComment
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