Fake vs. Original L/53 Minesweeper

[Thomas Durante]

I can only agree, a fine original Hymmen. Much better than the first one posted.

Tom

[Graeme]

Hi Graeme,
I agree with Norm, your badge is original zincer, variation 4.1.5, in excellent condition! It has exactly the same tone of finish as on my badge, which is variation 4.1.4 in the classification table.
Cheers,
Hubert

Thanks Hubert

Our badges also came from the same die imo, as you can see there is a distinctive "two lines in an angular shape" just above the catch. It can be seen on others too.

Norm and Tom, appreciate the comments

cheers
Graeme

[Hank]

I am new to these badges but just happen to own one....are they rare or just scarce......until I read this I wasn't sure the badge was authentic.

[Norm F]

I am new to these badges but just happen to own one....are they rare or just scarce......until I read this I wasn't sure the badge was authentic.

Hi Hank,

Is yours zinc or Tombak? Although not as attractive, the zinc examples are more uncommon than the Tombak ones. Despite the fact that they are "ugly ducklings" of Minesweeper badges they are among the least common of all Minesweepers (Beco, Berlin being the most uncommon) since they were only for private purchase and were not award pieces produced in bulk.

Can you post your badge here?

Best regards,
---Norm

[Hank]

Well Norm I think it is tombak as it has most of it's original finish. It has the block hinge horizontal and the L/53 is raised on the back of the water spout. I will try and take pictures tomorrow and try to post them, if I can't would you be able to post them for me ?

[John R.]

Well Norm I think it is tombak as it has most of it's original finish. It has the block hinge horizontal and the L/53 is raised on the back of the water spout. I will try and take pictures tomorrow and try to post them, if I can't would you be able to post them for me ?

I can help if you need it Hank. Just PM me.


John

[Hank]

Thanks John as soon as I get my camera back on line I will do just that. I have several badges I want to show and this would be a great help.

[John R.]

Thanks John as soon as I get my camera back on line I will do just that. I have several badges I want to show and this would be a great help.

As an association member, if you can email me photos, you can upload those photos to the forum also.

If you have any issues with doing that though, please let me know. John