Opinions on Flak Badge

[Lorenzo Brown]

In the USA we call it "picking up your ball and taking it home" when the game isn't going your way.

[Peter_Suciu]

I was able to retrieve the badge. The garbage wasn't taken out yet of out the building yet.

OK, after thinking about this...I can try to photograph it again, but I don't know if I can get any better results. Nor do I have any idea to provide any further details. Any suggestions?

[Frank Heukemes]

Send it to Lorenzo, Peter.

[skip]

Send it to Lorenzo, Peter.

Exactly.

Skip

[Lorenzo Brown]

Yes...by all means send it to me.

PM me and I will give you my mailing address. I will take good photos and measurements and repost it this Forum for discussion.

Lorenzo

[Lorenzo Brown]

I received the badge from Peter today. Following are pictures and measurements:

First, the measuresments as compared to Mark's and my example:
(I didn't take swaz measurements as it was too difficult and probably not relevant)

Mark Miller's:
Weight: 27.5 grams
Wreath height: 56.66 mm
Wreath width: 44.6 mm
Wingtips: 40.58 mm

Mine:
Weight: 27.1 grams
Wreath height: 56.7 mm
Wreath width: 44.1 mm
Wingtips: 40.4 mm

Peter's:
Weight: 24.9 grams
Wreath height: 55.9 mm
Wreath width: 44.1 mm
Wingtips: 39.4 mm

There may be some calibration differences, but Peter's badge is smaller on all counts except for the width of the wreath.

Attached is a larger view of Peter's badge front:

[Lorenzo Brown]

Reverse

[Lorenzo Brown]

Close up of hinge assembly:

[Lorenzo Brown]

Left rivet:

[Lorenzo Brown]

Right rivet:

[Lorenzo Brown]

Maker mark:

[Lorenzo Brown]

Cannon detail:

[Lorenzo Brown]

IMO, the badge has a very pock marked surface and appears to be cast. The color is definitely a bronze hue, but the underlying material looks like zinc.

I would say two options:

1) A cast fake, or;
2) A ground-dug or deteriorated original that has been repaired and refinished.

Problem with the second choice is the the weight and measurements don't match.

I am returning the badge to Peter tomorrow so please respond if you need more information.

[Graeme]

Hi Lorenzo

I am not qualified to judge this badge, but I bet someone will ask for a side pic of the catch and also a pic from the side, where casting marks are often seen.

regards

Graeme

[Marc Garlasco]

VERY uncharachteristic rivets as well...
Marc