Announcement

**Terrence** · 01-18-2004, 07:04 PM

Thanks Gordon,

While I was looking for clues to the maker of this badge, I learned so much more. I really should have waited until I had a better picture. There is absolutely no silver appearence to the badge. While I am fine with it being zinc, If I had posted the later picture that you were so kind to post, that is what the badge looks like to hold it in your hand. It is a really beautiful and detailed badge that I am just glad is authentic.

T

**Tim B.** · 01-19-2004, 08:41 PM

Similar?

Terrance,

Here is another badge that might be similar (at least to the one Gordon posted PICS of). Mine is clearly zinc and the small plates are clearly evident as well. Nice design and not that common IMO, though I have seen this in tombak as well.

This one from a U-359 man.

Tim

Attached Files

Unmarked U-boat f1700.JPG (99.6 KB, 202 views)

**Tim B.** · 01-19-2004, 08:45 PM

Reverse

.

Attached Files

Unmarked U-boat r1700.JPG (91.2 KB, 201 views)

**Brian S** · 01-19-2004, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by Tim Ball

Tim (Loggy),

I have a badge very similar to yours and Michel's and feel that mine is also an unmarked Zimmermann.

Perhaps Frank is correct when he states the difference here is in the pin color. On ours, the pin is clearly a bright silver, where the marked L/18 is on a brass (gold) pin. The designs are seemingly identical other than that. Nice badge BTW!

Tim

Great looking badge Tim!

**Larry Lipps** · 01-19-2004, 11:10 PM

Same badge again, in tombak, with most of the finish missing. Although the pin is broken off, it is apparent that the pin and catch were attached directly to the badge. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o

></o

>

**Terrence** · 01-21-2004, 06:30 PM

Dear Gordon, Frank, Mark, and others who contributed to my understanding of sub-badges over the last week.

Well, I resolved the sub-badge question. I just couldn't leave it alone. I pulled out the ole 10X magnifer and on the outter edge of one of the leaves in the wreath, there is a small small wear spot that is the color of zinc. So, I pulled off the hinge where I had repaired it and went a little deeper. There is silver color under the gold colored coating. So, I am now in agreement with you all that the badge is indeed zinc. The guys at the military show were showing me small cracks that are on the back of the badge and told me these were characteristic of "tombac" and occur during the forging process. Well, maybe the badge was forged as were tombac badges but deep beneath the very well done coating is a silver colored metal. However, the badge was very well coated as there is no sign of the bubbling reaction that I typically associate with zinc badges.

So, it is with the greatest respect to my collecting elders that I most humbly apologize. I am sure I tested your dilpomacy skills.

The craftmenship of this badge was truely remarkable. I hope that someday we will be able to attribute these qualities to a specific maker.

Warmest regards,
Terrence

Announcement

Sub badge

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Users Viewing this Thread