Unmarked hollow IAB Maker?

[greg.hays]

Hello all, I purchased this IAB from a fellow forum member some time ago, and at the time I didn't realize I would become so interested in these badges. So I didn't ask who the maker might be. Now I am obsessed with IAB's and I have read Yuri's article and searched every thread concerning unmarked IAB's and found only one possible match, unfortunately no one could venture a guess. So I'd like to post my IAB followed by the possible match and see what you all have to say. Thanks for indulging my sickness, Greg

[greg.hays]

reverse of my badge

[greg.hays]

possible match front?

[Philippe DB]

Hi Greg,

Very nice IAB and one I did not yet have in my files.

My best guess would be that this is an early Buntmetall Wernstein IAB.

Do you have a revers pic of the second example you posted. I guess it's also a hollowback but would think that this one is made out of zinc.

KR
Philippe

[greg.hays]

Hi Phillipe, unfortunately the pic of the reverse of the possible match are from an earlier posting(not mine) and the file comes up as invalid. That badge is solid baked and does appear to be zinc. The hardware is the same as my badge though. Do you have an example of an early Wernstein IAB that you can post? Again thanks for your assistance it is always appreciated Greg

[Philippe DB]

Hi Greg,

No, since I didn't even have one in my files I can't post one.

Just compare the design of this badge with your IAB. Notice the weak upper left oakleave aswell as the weak oakleave to the right of the wreath band. These are typical Wenstein features and already noticable on the second badge you posted.

[Philippe DB]

reverse

[greg.hays]

O.K. Phillipe I see what you mean in reference to the weak oakleaves on all three badges, you have a very well trained eye . When I first made my conclusion about my badge and the match I was basing it on the similiarities between the eagles heads. The only thing that sticks out to me when comparing my buntmetal badge to a Wernstein is that the center of the ribbon seems different on my badge. What do you think? Greg

[Philippe DB]

Hi Greg,


There are a couple of very small differences but the general match is there as far as I'm concerned.

I think the little differences can be explained not only because of the different production techniques used but also because their are quite some years between the production of your badge and the one I posted. Maybe they came out of different dies or the die was reworked at sometime.

I wisch my knowledge on production techniques was better but I'm not even sure if technicaly it would be possible to use the obverse die of a hollow badge to switch to solid production.

Based upon disinctive die flaws I was able to find in hollow and solid badges by the same maker I would conclude that it was possible, with or without reworking it, to keep using the same obverse dies.

KR
Philippe

[greg.hays]

Hi Phillipe, thank you for your help on this. This discussion was helpul in finding an identification on a maker as well as in helping to train my eye. It's like we say in the military "attention to detail". Individuals like you are what make this forum so enjoyable, and keep newbies like me learning. Again, thank you, Greg