Condor Legion Panzer Badge Souval?

[clestuff]

I'm not an expert on these badges nor an expert on pin or catch types. I did look on past threads and see some of this design accepted as original and others post war Souval. This looks like a silver plated nickle piece due to wear on high spots like the cheekbone.

Thanks in advance for comments, Cliff

[clestuff]

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[clestuff]

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[Norm F]

Hi Cliff,

It's definitely the Souval design although I haven't seen that particular wide main pin on one before.

Here are a few more Souvals but with different reverse setups.

Best regards,
---Norm

[clestuff]

Hi Norm,

Thank you. I believe you are correct about this being the same design Souval used post war. I've searched both war time and post war badges of all types but could not find this pin and catch type on any badge. Is it possible this "Souval" design was actually a pre-May 45 die he used post war? Was he known to use dies from other war time makers? I did a lot of reading about Souval and see he made badges during and after the war. Thats about all I know about him. I remember seeing a past thread of a badge of this design with known war time hardware. Many were commenting they believed it to be a period piece.

Thanks again,
Cliff

[Norm F]

I've searched both war time and post war badges of all types but could not find this pin and catch type on any badge.

Hi Cliff,

Although the pin and catch are atypical for Souval, the hinge itself is the same type they used on post-war production. I've attached a comparison between the "wartime-compatible" Souval hinge features and the hinge on yours.

The typical post-war Souval hinge is combined with a round-wire main pain but on your hinge you can see where the central gap has been customized by hand cutting to accommodate the wider pin. So that wasn't a standard setup from a supply company, but more like a one-off customization.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Norm F]

Opening post badge on the left and a post-war Souval on the right. The skull suture dots are a precise match suggesting no die wear in between the making of these two.

Best regards,
---Norm

[clestuff]

Norm,
Thank you so much for your excellent analysis. I too think the square hinge and similar "wear" details point to a 1960s Souval produced piece. Its clear a war time produced piece had round corners and was crimped tighter. I'm wondering if the special effort in hinge fit for the wide pin may point to a replacement piece for an original badge recipient. The plating wear does suggest it was worn by somebody. I know pieces may have been made as souvenirs as well, and anybody could have worn it. I guess we will never know. I still think it's a cool badge.
Thanks again, Cliff