Juncker Classifications

[rfleming32]

I have read the article on the forum entitled "DISTINTIVO DA PILOTI PRODOTTI DALLA DITTA C.E. JUNCKER - PILOT BADGES MADE BY C.E. JUNCKER firm" which I found very informative and well put together. However, the J1/2/3 designations are not adequate to describe the variations in the Juncker line that are distinct with regard to wreath, eagle, cut-outs, materials, and makers mark in pilot much less other badges such as observers, air gunner, etc. etc. Looking through the threads I found more evidence to confirm my own thoughts as to the distinctions. One thread even mentioned type b's etc. which I have no clue as to the point of reference. So my question is where can one find the current taxonomy on these badges. Is it in a published or on-going work? No point in reinventing the wheel. I suspect if any badge has been researched it would be these classic beasts. After all - these are among the best. In fact - Luftwaffe should have top billing in the thread don't you think? I have included a photo just so you have something to look at. This would be classified as J2 based upon the eagle I think. There must be someone out there working on the definitive work. Appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction. In the pursuit of knowledge if not badges, Richard

[Tim Calvert]

Hi Richard,

J1, J2 and J3 refer to the basic dies that made the eagles and wreaths.
So far every Juncker pilot's badge that I've seen has conformed to one
of these three dies.

Like cars you can get options, cut out between talons,
screwback, etc,
but a Corvette is a Corvette, not a Camaro.

There are instances when a J3 eagle can be found on a J2 wreath.

You can find J3's in zinc and sometimes with the late hallmark.
But that just makes it a J3 in zinc!

So yes, your badge is a J2 with a cut out.

If anyone can find an authentic Juncker pilot made from a new die,
I'm all ears. This is a good place to show it.

[Darrell]

Hi Richard,

Here is my Juncker example. A J3 Nickel Silver Eagle on a Zinc J3 Wreath

[Indy]

wow Darrell

Your Junker PB is an interesting example...a NS eagle with a zinc wreath.

KR
Indy

[Gary B]

Dear Richard,

I PMed you.

To add a few comments to Tim's posting. There is also the "CEJ" hallmark on the earliest of badges. Some of these early badges have the "thin wreath" (they can be MM with CEJ or the full Juncker text). The thin wreath, as the descritopn would indicate, has a much thinner wreath (thickness wise) than the later patterns and is quite a delicate piece. So there are a lot of variations to the Junkers Pilot badge.

Gary B

[rfleming32]

Thanks Gary - The information is very useful. I spent part of the day going through all the threads evaluating pilot and observer badges trying to get a handle on the types and variations. I am not done yet and am working on a white paper to describe in a clear and concise way the variability. Darrell - can I see the back of your badge please?
Thanks for the help.

[Darrell]

Darrell - can I see the back of your badge please?
Thanks for the help.

You bet. Here you go