Zinc SB AC Cruiser opinions

[John R.]

Attached for opinions. I do not think we have seen this exact variation before. John

[John R.]

One more

[BubbaZ]

John,
My eyes hurt from watching such blurry images... but what I can see is most likely original Schwerin zincer, refinished of course. I say most likely since that bad images are not giving a comfort of doubtless assesment.
Cheers,
Hubert

[John R.]

Yes, those shots are not good. Done with a cell phone and a shaky hand.

I agree, original zinc SB but as is the case with those badges, each seems to be different than the next. Not sure why that would be with the zinc SB AC badge.

John

[Norm F]

Hi Guys,

This is a "Level 3" zincer, so-named because of the high position of the maker mark. I'm not a fan of this variant since they all have the cruder non-aluminum globe, similar surface flaws on the reverse, and can be found with a variety of strange (sometimes post-war) hardware and a variety of finishes. They often have the "faded C" in "Schwerin" but the sometimes the "C" is clearer like in that example.

This is described in some detail in this thread: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=694482

It's possible that some of them are late wartime or even farmed out to a Lüdenscheid firm for production when Berlin was under heavy bombing pressure, but other examples in that thread appear to be post-war assembled and finished, perhaps for the post-war souvenir market.

Still collectible, but because of the controversies and poor quality not as desirable as an earlier "Level 1" or "Level 2" badge.

Best regards,
---Norm

[John R.]

That was a good study about these zinc SB AC badges. You are correct, a level 3 as demonstrated here.

[John R.]

2

[John R.]

It looks like the one I posted has been heavily polished, front and back. Odd finish.

John

[BubbaZ]

Hi John,
I could have been polished as a preparation for a new paintjob.
I marked what looks like remnants of the previous finish on the reverse. The color seems consistent with what was left of original finish on the hardware and solder splashes - it is on spots where original finish tends to lasts longer on zinc badges.
Cheers,
Hubert

[John R.]

So the bronze color is an undercoat put on after the polish job but prior to a complete refinish?

John

[BubbaZ]

I'd rather say it is original finish which was not removed during polishing process and on that places the new paint wore easier exposing original finish.