1st buy in 20 years! PAB

[Ypern]

Hello fellow forumites,
After a break of about 20 years and after hours of happy search on this forum I have started to collect 3rd Reich items again! Feel much happier about it now compared to 20 years ago as there is so much good info on this site and the level of detailed publications is very impressive.
So after much reading on the forum and searching of dealers sites I decided to buy an unmarked, Silver Panzer Assault Badge. This type is ID'ed as a late war, S&L made piece. I think it's made of zink. It is in worn condition, but I prefer items to look as though they have been worn.
I would value your thoughts on this piece. I am excited that I have bought an original but would prefer to know if it was rubbish
Thanks for looking

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Ypern,

Firstly, welcome back to the hobby. I know several collectors that have just now started to come back after a long break like you, so something must be in the water.

Nice original, wartime example you picked up here for your first badge back. Indeed, a fine original, later-war S&L badge. Still has some nice finish on it, and like you, I also like the worn look. Gives the badge alot of character and something I prefer compared to mint, unworn examples.

Welcome back, I have a feeling it won't be long before you pick up badge #2

Tom

[Ypern]

Hi Tom,
Thank you for your comments and kind words. I can say, hand on heart that it is a big relief to know that it is original.
I can understand others coming back to the hobby. 20 years ago, I was a soldier stationed in London and loved all the specialist militaria shops and market stalls that I would visit on a weekly basis. However, you had to trust who you were buying from and it was hard to get good sound knowledge from anyone. One person would love an item and another would have doubts. It really put me off as I began to think nothing was real any more.
But now, it's all different. and what's more I am surprised how much good stuff is still out there on dealers lists. And not too expensive either.
I am only planning to collect a range of Heer medals and awards, ie, IAB, GAB etc. Just a few examples. I've bought the books on the IAB and Krim shield, which are so detailed. The other things I would love to build up to is a combat tunic with basic field gear! I think I will need to convert some of the British kit I have collected into cash.
Very many thanks once again, Tom. You have made my day.
Regards,
Stewart

[AndyC]

Welcome to WAF, hope you will enjoy.
Yes it´s a late war S&L


Andy

[Ypern]

Hi Andy,
Thank you for the welcome and the confirmation on the badge. A second opinion is always welcome.
I have been on the forum for a while now, but I have mainly been an avid reader and not posted very much.
Here are another photo that I have taken. The more I look at the badge, the more detail I see.

Does anyone know of any good threads on the forum about the storage and care of WW2 German badges and awards? I have a couple of EK's and wound badges which I keep covered in acid free tissue paper.

Thank you in advance for any advice or links that you can give.
Regards,
Stewart

[Brian R]

Hi Stewart. Welcome back and great PAB!

I would strongly recommend you join the forum as an Association Member and utilize the image loading abilities. It will help to preserve your posts and you'll get better feedback on your queries.

[JAMESD]

Great looking badge for sure, nice way to start collecting again! Thanks for sharing it

BR,
James

[Ludwig]

Hunky dory badge! Welcome back in business!
First check here, then buy! Just a friendly advise

[PanzerFrank]

Welcome to the Forum!! You have a nice badge there. Welcome back to the collecting community after your 20 year hiatus.

[Ypern]

Hi Folks and thanks for all of you kind welcomes and opinions on the PAB. I will think about becoming an Association member, sounds like a good idea.
Regards,
Stewart

[Tony Bologna]

Welcome back the hobby. The more of us the better!

[juoneen]

That ain't no boloney tony....for sure welcome back stewart , Nice badge to start the reunion with. Try looking locally to see if anybody you meet has anything to sell, its a better time for first hand deals now than ever before .

[Tom Yanacek]

Nice-looking PAB and welcome back to the hobby.

Best regards,
Tom

[Giel VW]

Welcome back from your break, this hobby unfortunately never ends

You've added a nice original later war PAB to your collection there

[Chet Sowersby]

Stewart,
Let me welcome you back as well. Hopefully you missed out on the absurd run up on prices during your absence. I might suggest you find yourself a copy of Phils PAB book if you plan to continue the pursuit of PAB's

Chet