IAB L/10 Deschler

[ww2germanhelmet]

Good evening guys. I had this one come in today. Based on comparisons of known Deschler IABs, this one appears to be a fake. It weighs in at a whopping 38.2 grams, and is very thick. The hardware set up seems incorrect as well. I wanted to be sure before I send it back though. Fire away fellows.
Thanks for taking a look at this one.

[ww2germanhelmet]

more...

[Graeme]

Hi

You are correct that this is not the Deschler design.

This is classed as a "Vienna" design, possibly an unmarked "RS".

I like the badge, but have to admit I have never seen one exactly like this. For me the set up and appearance look believable.

best regards
Graeme

[ww2germanhelmet]

Thanks Graeme, I suppose the L/10 marking creates a number of questions on this one. The weight and the thickness seem excessive.

[fischer]

Hello

I agree with Graeme and the badge does look to be original. The hardware looks good as well with the catch plate slightly larger than most I have seen on Souval marked examples.

The obverse is definitely a Vienna Design but the reverse is flat. The unmarked Vienna Design examples all have a concave or semi hollow reverse expect for the Pillow Crimp and the Cupal..which this one certainly is not one of these.

The reverse does match the R. Souval mm examples. I have seen the large R.S. marked examples with the initials very faint to almost non existent. Can you see any remnants of a mark just below the hinge?
Not saying this is the case, just a possibility.

As for the L/10 marking, being stamped into the reverse...an argument can be made that it is good as well as done to enhance the value.

Best Regards, fischer

[ww2germanhelmet]

Thanks for the info Fischer. There are not any markings faint or otherwise underneath the hinge.

[Graeme]

Regarding the maker mark, I do not care for the font or style of this one, especially the "1" in L/10. From memory, and it is not that good these days, L/10 stamps that I have seen on EK1s, KVK1s and wound badges do not resemble the one on your badge. Even the known Deschler IABs with a raised maker mark have a different font.
So I would only assume it has been added.. Maybe someone else has a Deschler badge with this type, in which case I would be interested to see..

Other zinc badges have weighed in at a similar weight, and the weights can vary even within the same maker, so 38 grams would not be a worry for me.

cheers
Graeme

[Mike Kenny]

I agree with Graeme, the L/10 marking itself does not look correct compared to other period badges/crosses. Imo an original badge with a marking added post-war.

Regards
Mike

[MIKE12550]

Hello,
The Iab looks good to me, possibly remarked by deschler and made by another maker to help fill an order. I would keep it, I like badges like this that make us wonder, make for good discussions. The age in the stamp looks convincing, like its been there.
Thanks for posting it,
Mike

[Panzercracker]

I think the maker mark has more than a chance at being original to this badge. It's a nice "thick as a brick" badge that reminds me a lot of it's Cupal brother -which were probably made by Deschler. I remember a thread not that long ago where Chuck Von Stubben posted a Cupal marked 1 piece. I would keep this one as well. Interesting to see some finish within the recesses of the L/10 marks.

--Rgds, Ken

[ww2germanhelmet]

I appreciate all the great information!

[Bruce Simcox]

Hi ww2gh......

......Personally, I don't like the numeral stamping one bit. Too me it is a post war job, and done incorrectly. I say incorrectly based on the shape of the numeral '1' That numeral shape doesn't coincide with wartime examples that I am familiar with.

If I am mistaken I certainly wouldn't mind my assessment being proven wrong.

Just my humble $.02

[MIKE12550]

Hello,
Here is L/10 mark from the PAB I used to own, for comparison to this one.
Thanks,
Mike