Sniper Badge real?

[Silver]

Gents,

recived a request from a friend to find out if this badge is real or not?

Thanks
Thomas

[Gary B]

Hi Thomas,

It is my understanding that the "accepted" versions of this patch are the ones where the stem of the leaves are away from (do not touch) the green border.

Gary B

[Chet Sowersby]

Appears to be no backing? Regardless, it isn't one that meets the "accepted" criteria.

Chet

[tystgaard]

Nice

The grey backing are missing / removed. From what there have been said in earlier
threads, its hard to conclude anything about these sniper badges. There are
one type with light grey backing that are most wanted. And a type with dark grey
that are less accepted. But both types are very similar. I have the type with dark
grey in my collection, and likes it very much. Think yours are one of these types.
I like yours, and would have it in my collection.


BR

Nicolai

[Silver]

Not so easy with these parts......

Thank you all Guys!

[jacquesf]

First time I have seen with the eagle cut out. That itself makes for an interesting anomaly. Might be the first example that was actually worn? Shame there is no provenance on it. I am not saying it is real, only that it looks very believable. J

[Chris Boonzaier]

I think it is supposed to, or does portray a badge where moths have eaten the backing?

[Norm F]

Hi Thomas,

This thread is a good review of the types of Sniper patch that have been posted and the evidence behind them: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...71#post7104071

When you compare, you will see that your friend’s patch is actually the “Type 1” (but missing the light grey background); this is the least commonly posted type and the one with the best provenance so far (although no provenance presented to date has been ironclad). It’s the same type as the Heinrich Franken patch presented by Hormann in his book in the 1980’s and the type depicted in “Militaria” magazine in the 1970s.

As such, this is indeed the type that is sometimes referred to as the “accepted” type, although that designation is hyperbole in that the provenance is not ironclad and it is not universally accepted. It is however the least common type and the type that major dealers will list at exorbitant prices for believers with deep pockets.

Best regards,
—-Norm

[longislandercjv]

As I have said many times in the past, I do not own one of ANY type
since there is no ironclad proof of their existence.
It brings to mind the "Metz 1944" cuffband: it was undocumented for many years
(no ironclad proof) until a photo was found showing the commanding General wearing one; other photos followed.
Today they bring high prices when available.
The link to the discussion (above post) clearly shows the "Sniper Patch" controversy!

[Norm F]

With regards to “value”, the hopeful asking prices from some large well-known dealers for these patches defy all rational thought and seem to reflect the intersection between profiteering and collector gullibility.

Since it’s currently impossible to prove one way or the other if this patch was made in late wartime and there is a mysterious appeal to the wealthy collector that defies logic, a reputable businessman like Helmut Weitze will sit back patiently and ask 4500 to 6000 Euro for one of these, like a fisherman throwing out his line on a sunny afternoon while enjoying a picnic. Nothing at stake and if he gets a bite then so much the better.

To anyone with the slightest bit of objectivity this is completely irrational, but such is the world of the passionate collector.

Best regards,
—-Norm

[Mike Davis]

It appears that insects have eaten the backing away. These were embroidered on the soft (and evidently tasty) boiled felt, and often show insect damage.

[Norm F]

Hi Thomas,

It is my understanding that the "accepted" versions of this patch are the ones where the stem of the leaves are away from (do not touch) the green border.

Gary B

Hi Gary,

I think in this particular example the only reason the stem of the leaves is touching the green border is because it's flapping in the breeze since the intervening grey cloth background has disappeared.

Best regards,
---Norm