PAB Frank and Reif w/ variant catch?

[Stepdale]

Hello,
Getting this reviewed for a buddy of mine who's had it for many years and has no provenance to go with it. As far as I can tell, this looks like an original unmarked Frank and Reif PAB, but in looking at examples in the forum I can't find any with a round catch plate like this one has. Is it a copy, an original with variant catch or a replaced catch? Unfortunately I only had a few minutes to look it over and snap some quick photos under a desk lamp, but hopefully these will suffice for you to give an opinion.
Thank you,
Dale

[Stepdale]

a

[Stepdale]

b

[Stepdale]

last photo

[Tom Yanacek]

Hi Dale,

Very unusual to see a round catchplate and question mark catch on an unmarked Frank & Reif PAB. However, I like the look of the badge and I think it is completely original and without any repairs. The hinge isn't typical either but I do like it.

Best regards,
Tom

[Stepdale]

Thanks, Tom. I'm glad to see you think everything is good, 'cause that was my assessment as well though I can find nothing showing this variant. But as with all variants, I'm hoping others can give their opinion as well, and even better, show some other examples of this variant.
Dale

[Stepdale]

Aha, I found one of these variants in recent thread showing a marked F&R PAB - http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=910998. It has the same variant hinge and a round plate catch, though it doesn't have the question mark catch.
Dale