Aux Cruiser-GWL

[stogieman]

sorry 'bout that!

What I am referring to is the way the pin actually attaches over the hinge/into the hinge. My experience is that 95%+ of the badges we see with this hinge/pin over the top are repro. Especially combined with that ugly hinge attachment to the badge.
"Coke Bottle" pins are legit, WW2 production, but they all (varying by maker) attach <i>much</i> differently to the hinge and badge!

Hi Rick. Are you referring to ALL "coke-bottle" type pins?...or just the exact type as shown on this "GWL"?

[stogieman]

... having read further.....

... I see serious differences in the badges Frank has shown and the hinge plate on the badge that started the thread. I still do not like this type of attachment.... I understand and respect Frank & Lorenzo's research and experience, but for myself, having seen literally hundreds of badges with that "over the top" type pin/hinge, I will always shy away from this style. I will also state that it seems to be extremely prevelent on fake panzer/panzer mit Einsatzzahl badges.
These will never be a style I am personally happy with, but that's my limitation as a collector and as a dealer, I would never offer this type of piece, but again, that's my personal choice. I would be very hard pressed unless the piece came direct from a family, or a vet's family who scarfed it during the war...

I think that collector's who are willing to walk down this path should be very, very cautious... there are obvious real badges, but thou shouldst know thine quest before traveling.....

[Lorenzo Brown]

... but thou shouldst know thine quest before traveling.....

AMEN to that, Brother Rick.

[emaroli]

I see nothing wrong with the Foerster & Barth type pin/hinge. Here is a L/21 marked minesweeper. The catch has been replaced.

Ed Maroli

[Frank Heukemes]

...and because it is so much fun each time I do this, one more time the L/21 (Foerster & Barth) GAB.

[Frank Heukemes]

reverse

[BobD]

Interestingly, it looks as if I have found the exact badge setup with the same rivit type on an unmarked Aux cruiser being sold on the Jamie Cross website. Not sure if posting a link would violate a rule here so I won't, but it looks the same to me except the ship has been coppered to make it stand out.

Last, I have posted many badges over the past few days and the help and education I received has been outstanding. I can't list each person individually but you know who you are and I thank you very much for your comments, opinions, pics and politeness in your responses.
Have a few more badges to put up for view and will do so when I can. Again, great site and great people.
Bob