Where are all the Nice Tombak GABs!!

[Volksgrenadier 44]

Hi lads,

Am I going crazy or are Tombak GABs in top condition (marked or unmarked) getting realy hard to find!

I know some of you gents have them in your cabinets because ive seen them in your collections.

Maybe its because im a fussy so-in-so but all I ever see is tarnished,broken/pin catched examples or Zincers which are normally in poor shape!

One of these days ill be able to nab a nice Tombak one

All the best and keep enjoying the hobby

Ross

[germanmedals]

Check Giel's site,...i think he has one

[JJS]

Ross
Your question is an interesting one. I started collecting GABs over 15 years ago and I have decidedly seen an evolution over that time. Back in the late 1990's you could find decent (original) tombak GABs on ebay for $100 or even less. Then Frank Heukemes' book came out and changed the landscape for GAB collecting. Prices went up and good, high quality badges became harder and harder to find as people used that reference to understand what they were really looking for. The text remains a classic for all of us who collect GABs. My impression is that you are right...it is now getting harder and harder to find good, original tombak GABs. They are still out there but much less plentiful than they were 5-10 years ago, and they are commanding higher prices. I suspect many of the nicer originals are sitting in collections like mine (I own over 50).
My advice is don't give up, just be patient and move fast when you see the one you want.
JJS

[Wim Vangossum]

Yes, the become rare and prices go up. At least those buntmetall made GAB's are made from a decent base metal. If you see how the rarer designs in zinc also go up , I like to pass. Zinc is a very crappy metal and the Germans used it intensive for their late war time combat awards. So what do you have in hands at the end for several hundred dollars, or in the case of the numbered examples, for a few thousand dollars? A piece of zinc! Not like a Knightcross made of iron and real silver, or like a Golden party Badge made of brass and enamel, no just a piece of expensive zinc! I think there are no many branches in the militaria or antique world were so much value is added to such a low quality base material.


Regards, Wim

[Nordmark]

That argument is a little odd to be honest. Do you think brass is a valuable metal or enamel is something of a high quality? Do one ounce of iron and 3g of silver (or German silver) justify a price tag of several thousand dollar for an RK?

[Wim Vangossum]

Hi Nordmark,


I do have concerns about zinc. IMO a Golden Party Badge, for instance will still look the same within several 100 of years. But I wonder how the Golden finish on a "75" or "100" GAB will look like within a few extra decades. It fades slowly away and I don't know if it can be stopped? If you look at the premium prices that are paid for a very good conditioned "75" or "100" GAB I wonder how they will look in the future. Not spoken of the ten thousends of Euro's that are paid for the ultra rare Juncker Panzer Awards...
I mean: in the case of a zinc badge you pay pure for the added value (because it's a seldom seen bravery award for instance) , with medals or awards made from more value materials, you have at least someting decently made in your hands. As a collector I find that important and it gives my more reassurance. Assume that you can buy a rare medal in real gold and it costs you tons of money then you have at least the consulation that both, material and added value, are in balance.

I try to say that it makes me feel uncomfortable to pay so much money for something that at the same time is made from such an inferior base material.


Regards, Wim

[Nordmark]

Hello Wim,


I got you wrong then. I agree with you, that zinc is a rather fragile material that needs special attention. But in my personal opinion, there is nothing to worry about, if you take good care of your badges. Avoid any light (no matter if sun or artificial) and watch the humidity. If you invest in quality zinc pieces, I´m pretty sure they will look flashy for the next 100 years to come.

The horror stories you hear (or see) about mint badges that turn literally to dust is because the owners don´t store them correctly. Salt and oxidation is something you have to be aware of, when collecting these goods.

I really enjoy my zincers, the look of a mint zincer is often much nicer than its tombak counterpart (just my personal opinion).



Regards,


Daniel

[Thomas Durante]

I really enjoy my zincers, the look of a mint zincer is often much nicer than its tombak counterpart (just my personal opinion).

I agree with Daniel, nothing wrong with zinkers if they are taken care of. I have found that many makers used a high quality zinc, and in combination with a good finish they seem to have done well over the last 70+ years. I guess only time will tell for sure, but so far there has been very little problem with zinc IMO.

Great GAB btw Daniel.

Tom

[Matthew J.]

I also collect GABs and like the zinc also.... I have been looking for Frank Heukemes' book for a long time with no luck? Matt

[Tim Curley]

There is a copy with a "Buy it Now" on eBay and another copy on Amazon.com.

Both are expensive.

[Volksgrenadier 44]

Ross
Your question is an interesting one. I started collecting GABs over 15 years ago and I have decidedly seen an evolution over that time. Back in the late 1990's you could find decent (original) tombak GABs on ebay for $100 or even less. Then Frank Heukemes' book came out and changed the landscape for GAB collecting. Prices went up and good, high quality badges became harder and harder to find as people used that reference to understand what they were really looking for. The text remains a classic for all of us who collect GABs. My impression is that you are right...it is now getting harder and harder to find good, original tombak GABs. They are still out there but much less plentiful than they were 5-10 years ago, and they are commanding higher prices. I suspect many of the nicer originals are sitting in collections like mine (I own over 50).
My advice is don't give up, just be patient and move fast when you see the one you want.
JJS

Hey JJS!
Thanks for your advice my friend,i will continue to look and to be honest im glad that im fussy as it has led me to make only a handful of mistakes (buying then regretting)! Im mainly an EK nut but ive always loved GABs,i guess I just want a choice example!
Yopu say you have 50!! That is quite some feat id sure love to see a group shot if you ever get chance!

Take care

Ross

[Volksgrenadier 44]

Check Giel's site,...i think he has one

Thanks friend,ill take a look

[Volksgrenadier 44]

I agree with Daniel, nothing wrong with zinkers if they are taken care of. I have found that many makers used a high quality zinc, and in combination with a good finish they seem to have done well over the last 70+ years. I guess only time will tell for sure, but so far there has been very little problem with zinc IMO.

Great GAB btw Daniel.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Yes I wouldn't mind a zincer or two either once the finish is nice,i just don't see them anymore at market value

Ross

[Wim Vangossum]

Hello Wim,


I got you wrong then. I agree with you, that zinc is a rather fragile material that needs special attention. But in my personal opinion, there is nothing to worry about, if you take good care of your badges. Avoid any light (no matter if sun or artificial) and watch the humidity. If you invest in quality zinc pieces, I´m pretty sure they will look flashy for the next 100 years to come.

The horror stories you hear (or see) about mint badges that turn literally to dust is because the owners don´t store them correctly. Salt and oxidation is something you have to be aware of, when collecting these goods.

I really enjoy my zincers, the look of a mint zincer is often much nicer than its tombak counterpart (just my personal opinion).





Regards,


Daniel

That's a stunning GAB Daniel. I also do have zinc made pieces. And when in mint condition they look indeed perfect. It's interesting to know that in perfect conditions, they don't deteriorate with the years.



Regards, Wim

@ Volksgrenadier: sorry that I stealt your thread with my concerns about zinc.

[cornernotch]

I really enjoy my zincers, the look of a mint zincer is often much nicer than its tombak counterpart (just my personal opinion).

I completely agree with this statement. These GWL badges are two of the best in my collection. I have to admit the zincer is my favorite. I really like the variety of finishes used on zinc GABs. The last Heukemes book I purchased on Ebay cost around $80.00. This was an autographed copy. GABs are highly addictive. In two years my collection has grown to over 60 badges. You should check out militaria-berlin on Fridays for their weekly updates. I've seen many excellent tombak GABs on that website. Be quick since almost all of the nice ones sell the day they are listed.