Two Unmarked U-Boot Badges - Found Out of Woodwork - Need Help to ID Makers

[Colorado]

I recently got these out of the woodwork along with the CCC in Bronze I just posted and some other medals and badges.

CCC Link:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...64#post7268664

These two were the only KM badges in the grouping. The tombak badge has verdigris on the hinge that prevents it from opening and closing. The zinc one, the catch is slightly closed so it can't open and close either.

I don't have the KM book that lists them by type/numbers, but my guesses:

1. Unmarked Schwerin in Tombak
2. Unmarked Juncker in zinc

Lastly, is there anything that can be SAFELY done to free up the hinge on the tombak badge? I intend to put on the estand soon and would like to correctly identify them.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[Colorado]

2

[Norm F]

Hi Jeff,

You're half right. The second badge is indeed a nice zinc Juncker, UC# 2.1.9 in the comprehensive U-Boat classification system. But the first one is a Tombak S&L, UC# 1.2.3, and less common than a Schwerin.

I'm not sure if there's a way to remove verdigris safely...

Best regards,
---Norm

[BubbaZ]

Great find!
Tombak S&L is really rare bugger
Cheers,
Hubert

[Norm F]

Lastly, is there anything that can be SAFELY done to free up the hinge on the tombak badge?

I think your emphasis on "SAFELY" is most appropriate and the key element. There are lot of ways to make the badge look horrible by removing all the patina down to that "new penny" look.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Colorado]

Thanks gentlemen for the rapid replies. No worries, I am loath to clean any military collectible unless it's absolutely necessary to save the item.

Norm, appreciate you taking the time to identify the specific types.

[Martin W]

Not much I can add to what already has been said,but you have a couple of nice ones there Jeff.

And I would leave them as is.

Regards,Martin.

[Stepdale]

Jeff,
I've used a mild, non abrasive toothpaste with a soft toothbrush to remove "crud' in the past. I just do it lightly and have had no problems with it removing original finish, but make no guarantees, so don't hire a lawyer to sue me if it doesn't work!
Dale

[Colorado]

Thanks Dale, that makes sense.

Hope all is well on your end, long time, no see.

[Stepdale]

Yep, should see you at the SoS. Nice to see your attempt to "drop out of collecting" is failing!