Metal edelweiss color question

[Deputy276]

I have seen pictures of the metal edelweisss badge worn on Gebirgsjager caps in both a dark, grey-black color and also in bright silver. Which is the correct color that they wore?

Thanks in advance,
Dep

[Felix]

I have seen pictures of the metal edelweisss badge worn on Gebirgsjager caps in both a dark, grey-black color and also in bright silver. Which is the correct color that they wore?

Thanks in advance,
Dep

All is correct I think. It mostly depend if its an early or late war edelweiss and the state of oxidation of course. Some edelweisses were more durable. Some of the earlier, I think, has a better content of quality metals and will last longer as shiny silver. Zink with weak silvering, or just pure zink, has a tendency is some cases to turn very dark.

//Felix

[Panzercracker]

Felix is bang on with that assessment because the early ones were made from aluminum, followed by steel and zinc.

--Ken

[Enzian]

Metal Edelweiss Colorations

I have found the darkening takes place over time.

I have several of the metal badges and they were much lighter when I
acquired them over 30 years ago. I am not sure what the metal is; they have
the GB 41 stamp behind the 2-piece construction plate. I've had them in the
special specimen envelopes for maybe 20 years, and two of them are dark,
one still surprisingly light, especially in the daylight.

I would suppose exposure to the elements would have an impact as well.
Mine have been cased and/or sleeved since I got them, and they still discolored. As has been mentioned, metal type would also be a factor.

[Panzercracker]

Humidity, or damp conditions, would affect the condition of the GB marked '41 because those ones are zinc based.

--Ken

[Deputy276]

Thanks everyone. That is EXACTLY the information I wanted to know.