IAB in Bronze questions

[Carl Christense]

Fellow enthusiasts,

I found this badge on the net. It is listed as a bronze IAB. It looks very good (to me) from the front. The reserve has some concerns for me. The badge is supposed to be made of tombac (I contacted the seller to confirm this). The whitish material on the back was described to me as a "residue". The catch is broken too which is kind of a downer.


I'm still learning about these badges but would appreciate your comments. Is this really a silver badge that lost almost all it's finish? Has anyone seen this whitish patina before?


Please join the conversation.


Carl C

[Carl Christense]

Front, Back, Hinge, and broken catch. The hinge to me appears to be the type you would not see on a zinc badge. Please comment.


Carl C

[jordi]

Hi Carl,

The IAB is an original badge attributed to Schickle, it is, definitely, made of tombac but I would pass of this one.

IMO it has many issues, the missing catch, the probably replaced pin and, honestly, from these pics I am not able to say if it is a bronze grade or a very worn silver one.

I would wait for one in better condition!!

For comparison two, from my former collection, with the different setups they can be found.

Best regards.
Jordi

[Carl Christense]

Thank you for the sound advice.

Carl C

[Kryptos]

I’m wondering if that white residue isn’t zinc pest.

[Thomas Durante]

The white residue is likely dried polish paste that was used to clean up the badge.

Tom

[Kryptos]

Interesting. Thanks.