B&NL Pilot Badge

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello Luftwaffe collectors,
I just picked up this Berg & Nolte Pilot Badge the other day. The eagle has a finish that looks almost black, although it has a slight brownish cast to the color. The finish looks almost perfect, but there are a few spots of wear on the high points. From examining the badge, I believe the finish on the eagle is original but I have never owned a B&NL Pilot Badge before so I don't know for sure. Does the finish of this eagle look consistent with other B&NL Pilot Badges?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thank you! Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

Here is the reverse.

[Tom Yanacek]

The maker mark.

[Tom Yanacek]

One more picture.

[Darrell]

Hey Tom,

Take a look at Lorenzo's example (I just love his site - great pictures)

http://lbmilitaria.homestead.com/files/pilotbnl.jpg

[Lorenzo Brown]

Interesting...Maybe just the scan.....
...But NAUGHT what I would be looking for in an authentic B&NL Pilot Badge.

OOW (Other Opinions Welcome)

[Yuri D.]

I'm right with you Larry on this one. This is a good reproduction.

Yuri

[Tim Calvert]

Agreed!
Send it back Tom!!!!

[skip]

Scrawny neck repro. Probably taken from an authentic B&NL though. Would fool quiet a lot of people I would think.

Skip

[Tom Yanacek]

Thanks for the assistance guys!

This one sure fooled me, although I did think the finish on the eagle was strange. Now that I compare this piece with the one on Lorenzo's site, I notice alot of little differences in details as well as the wreath and eagle outlines. Both eagle and wreath look to be zinc on this badge. I agree now, this one is close in some ways, but definitely not close enough. Just one more badge to be on the lookout for.
Best regards! Tom

[Kecon]

Hey Tom

That one reminds me of one of those critters, I have. Looks very similar and
I'm fairly sure mines not correct. I sure hope you soon make that trip back
to Gettysburg so we can get together. I can show you this one but also I have a bunch of good badges and other stuff, I'm sure you'd love to see!

Your ol' pal
Ken

[Tom Yanacek]

Hey Tom

That one reminds me of one of those critters, I have. Looks very similar and
I'm fairly sure mines not correct. I sure hope you soon make that trip back
to Gettysburg so we can get together. I can show you this one but also I have a bunch of good badges and other stuff, I'm sure you'd love to see!

Your ol' pal
Ken

Hi Ken,
Thanks for responding. I sent you a pm.
Best regards! Tom