Dear Jeff,
The evolution of the SC Zimmermann PAB (now S&L, at least in "my book") can absolutely be followed in the same way, with partially the same variations, for the GABs and IABs by S&L. If you took in that evolution theory in detail, you might remember a "monster" version of the SC Zimmermann, very heavy, thicker and with a shorter barrel hinge setup. The very same phenomenon exists for the S&L GAB!
Mentioning my four puzzle pieces in this thread, I forgot about a fifth one: An IAB I consider to be the S&L IAB and corresponding in evolution with the S&L PAB and GAB, carries a "4" mark. The badge is pictured in Mike Tucker's last book. Neglectible for some, because the stamped mark could have been added lateron, but you have to admit, it supports the theory further and does not contradict it. That is what counts in THIS case and so it can be regarded as another piece falling in place with the other four pieces of the puzzle.
Trust me I looked at this from every possible angle and would have never put it into my book if I had any doubts left. I am trying very hard to get this book free of errors. That is probably impossible, but by ensuring that the things I state can be backed up, I am very sure I have not made an idiot of me claiming that I ahve found the S&L GAB. One might now ask: how do you KNOW there WAS a GAB by S&L if all are unmarked? Easy: Their catalogue has a GAB in it, among a PAB, IAB, U Boat, Destroyer and Minesweeper. That catalogue dates back to the early fourties, so it is well possible more war badegs were produced by S&L later on. Another one that can be attributed to S&L: e-boat FIRST pattern in ZINK with the "o" mark.
One has to be very cautious evaluating comments like that. Firstly, this is an opinion. As valid as this opinion might be, there have been PABs, KVKs and Iron Crosses produced by S&L during the war, with that same pin. Another S&L myth (in my opinion) is that those late war KVKs with cast in hinge and catch and the brass pins have all been assembled post war. I read this myth for the first time when I arrived here at this forum and it was repeated by some people over the time. I have never found ANY reason to believe that. Collectors LOVE to repeat anything that they caught up somewhere, be it wrong conclusions made by unexperienced collectors or be it true information. It just "feels good" to be able to say "something" about a certain award. That "something" is sadly in many cases just a tradition of carrying some statement through the years, without trying to see behind that statement. I give you one: "all round letter Souvals are fakes". In my opinion mere bullshyte.
The evolution of the SC Zimmermann PAB (now S&L, at least in "my book") can absolutely be followed in the same way, with partially the same variations, for the GABs and IABs by S&L. If you took in that evolution theory in detail, you might remember a "monster" version of the SC Zimmermann, very heavy, thicker and with a shorter barrel hinge setup. The very same phenomenon exists for the S&L GAB!
Mentioning my four puzzle pieces in this thread, I forgot about a fifth one: An IAB I consider to be the S&L IAB and corresponding in evolution with the S&L PAB and GAB, carries a "4" mark. The badge is pictured in Mike Tucker's last book. Neglectible for some, because the stamped mark could have been added lateron, but you have to admit, it supports the theory further and does not contradict it. That is what counts in THIS case and so it can be regarded as another piece falling in place with the other four pieces of the puzzle.
Trust me I looked at this from every possible angle and would have never put it into my book if I had any doubts left. I am trying very hard to get this book free of errors. That is probably impossible, but by ensuring that the things I state can be backed up, I am very sure I have not made an idiot of me claiming that I ahve found the S&L GAB. One might now ask: how do you KNOW there WAS a GAB by S&L if all are unmarked? Easy: Their catalogue has a GAB in it, among a PAB, IAB, U Boat, Destroyer and Minesweeper. That catalogue dates back to the early fourties, so it is well possible more war badegs were produced by S&L later on. Another one that can be attributed to S&L: e-boat FIRST pattern in ZINK with the "o" mark.
and I also read the argument that the S&L style pin was found on many post war S&L made with left over parts for the occupation troops....my IC 4 doesn't have that style hinge and it seems very uncommon...
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