If the grouping is legitimate and the pieces are all original to the grouping, then this badge was awarded to Major Erwin Clausen, Commander of the I./Fighter Geschwader 11, and winner of the Knights Cross with Oakleaves.
I know some will have their doubts and concerns, but I recently purchased this cased badge from Kai Winkler during his Christmas sale. He still has many of the lessor pieces available to the grouping, but the majority are gone already.
The badge had the correct die characteristics for an early J1 without the cutouts and the case looks good, though the hinge is rusted shut and the case needs repairing; something that I may attempt down the road if I can get the hinge free of the rust without damaging the paper backing.
I have never dealt with Kai's business before, but I must add that the staff was very efficient and friendly and I had my package four days after placing the order! Not to toot anyones horn here, but I guess I owe him at least this: Of all the dealers I have ever dealt with, he is the only one that offers an advertised substantial discount over the Christmas and New Year holidays! Depending on what you buy, that can really save you some money!! Thank you Kai!
Considering what we are paying throughout the year to some of these guys, he earns a big plus in my book for doing that! Of course, like everywhere else, you still have the responsibility to know what you're looking at.
Anyway, Clausen's details are below and I thought it was pretty nice to take the chance to own something with a background--an ex-Navy man at that!
Enjoy the PICS and Happy New Year to all!
Tim
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