Paratroop Mini Badge Question

[Scott C.]

An item I've had for many, many years. It measures about 18mm x 14mm, and the pin has a slight knurl/twist in the center. Is it an authentic mini para badge or a post-war fantacy piece?

Opinions please.

Thanks.

Scott

[Scott C.]

Reverse. The white stuff looks like zink pest.

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear Scott,

Always hard to be absolute about these, but I would not be happy with it. For a zinc badge the finish and surface texture seems to be weird. The "zinc pest" does not look as it would have grown in a natural way.

[Scott C.]

Thanks Frank - always good to have another pair of eyes to look things over.

Scott

[Andy B.]

Hi Scott,
Here are some pics of what I believe is a good mini observers badge. Note that it is 2 piece construction, and the detail is sharp (like an exact mini obs.badge). Sorry the pics are not that close up. I have an older mavica and its tough to get small detail pics from it. Sorry its not a para badge, but I'm looking for one myself. Hope this helps.
Andy B.
PS. I wish I could put my finger on it, but the one you posted just doesn't look right (boy, that sure is a profesional opinion).

[Andy B.]

best close up of the front I could get

[Andy B.]

and the back.

[Andy B.]

I am curious if jewelers might have made mini stickpins for individuals and that were not up to the same quality as ones made from the larger badge makers. I have no proof of this, just a guess, and that might be one answer as to the different styles of mini badges. If anyone can elaborate, it would help answer alot of my questions about the minis.

[Scott C.]

Andy - Thant's a fantastic observer mini! I'm not a "paratroop" guy so I'm not sure how close the mini badge I posted above is true to form.

I'm more of an "aircrew" guy, and I like the larger minis. Here' are my observer minis; both one-piece (I like yours!)

[Scott C.]

And my air gunner...

[Scott C.]

And my RO/AG (this one's two piece)

[Scott C.]

Although I like the the larger minis, I'm amazed at the detail that can be had in a tiny 9mm mini

[Scott C.]

And the L-GAB

[Andy B.]

I really like your air gunner and RO/AG pins. I need those for my collection . Here is an over head shot of my minis. Not much, but its getting fuller (sp?). FYI, there is a 16mm LW flak, but I have yet to find one. I tend to collect the 16's (although you are right, the detail on the 9's is incredible).
Andy

[Scott C.]

Andy - quite a collection! Any chance of getting a close-up of your mini paratrooper badge? From the picture of your case it looks similiar to the one I posted for comment above.

Thanks!

Scott