IAB by Rudolf Souval "R.S."

[C&A]

Hi all,

who can say anything about the original IAB marked "R.S."?
Give me some photos please.
What are the differences from the original and the fake?

[InfanterieSammler]

RSS IAB's

Hello,
I would like to second this request...Can anyone tell us what are the things to look for on post war Souval IAB. Thanks,
John

[keifer kahn]

The R.S on authentic wartime versions should be approximately 3mm high.post war are usually 4mm.
Also the original wartime version of R.S should have angular curves on the lettering,the post war will be more rounded.

I was told this many years ago by an experienced collector ,and then went on to own a genuine R.S wartime version of a silver tk battle badge,and also a 60,s restrike of vitually the same R.S badge.
Both the characteristcs in this case rang true!

Hope this helps!
regards keifer

[Tony Barto]

Not to confuse the issue, but I think the wartime IAB's and Close Combat Clasps actually have the small, rounded letters. The Tank and Kriegsmarine badges have the angular letters. Also, the postwar catch and base is one piece with the catch being cut and bent up from the base. I could be just as confused on the makers mark as well but the catch and catch base like I just described are indicative of a postwar piece.

[LToms]

I agree with Tony. If you check the reproduction section on the forum there are pictures of both pre and post war Souval badges.
In Gordon Williamson's and Jamie Cross' guide to Infantry Combat Awards they show the small rounded RS. I have attached what I believe is a good war time bronze IAB by this maker.

Here is the front

[LToms]

Here is the back.

[Seppl]

Both types of lettering were used on Wartime Souval badges. The angular letters only being used during the war, was a myth started by J.R. Angolia!
Servus,

[Jan Arne S]

" R.S " HFS

Hi Guys !
Here is an KM Badge from Rudolf Souval with round " R " and " S " , this badge have bin in Norway since the war . Slightly concave back on bagde .

Lillegutt