Unusual IAB, Part Deux

[Marc Shaffer]

Had some issues with the computer I was on last night. But here are the photos of the IAB that I posted previously that other folks wanted to see. Thought it might be a badly tarnished bronze, but it appears to be made of brass perhaps. It is well worn on the highlights. Looking at the close ups now, I can see the little flaws from casting. Picked it up about 25 years ago and didn't know anything about this stuff. But $5 wasn't too bad of a hit. This was actually the first piece of militaria that I picked up, except for the stuff I was issued.

[Marc Shaffer]

some more shots.

[Marc Shaffer]

some more..

[Marc Shaffer]

close ups.

[Marc Shaffer]

some comparsions shots to a bronze IAB and a gold WB.

[bosleyd]

Thanks for the pictures Marc, I was curious to see what it looked like. I agree with you that the casting flaws are easily visible. Regards, Dave

[Graeme]

Hi Marc

Yes a bad one, and with a set up (hinge, pin and catch) that is not found on originals.

regards
Graeme

[Chet Sowersby]

Marck,
Even sold a reproduction you will double your money.

Chet

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Marc,

Thanks for re-loading these pics, and will be a good interesting thread for future researchers I am sure.

I can only agree with the others, this one is unfortunately a poor cast reproduction. We see them pop up from time to time, here is another one just like it. Not only the soft cast appearance to it, but notice the exact same shoddy reverse hardware.

Tom

[fischer]

Hi Guys

The Souval / Vienna obverse is a popular design for the fakers and they use it quite often.

The first example I refer to as the Souval/Assmann fake. The reason being the reverse reminds me of the "A" marked Assmann examples with the k98 recess and overall rough surface.

The one Tom posted looks like the post war Souvals with the missing leaf between the k98 and the sling. The catch looks replaced and possibly the hinge. It's hard to tell if this one started as a PW Souval with a claw type catch or it's a copy of a PW Souval?

The bronze example shown with the Wound Badge I think is a hollow example and it too, is a bad one referred to as the UK fake....reason being it purportedly was first seen coming out of the UK.

Best Regards, fischer