Jeweler Copies of Qualification Badges?

[LHR1]

I'd be interested to hear to what extent - if at all - Luftwaffe qualification badges were also individually produced in high-quality metals by smaller jeweler establishments. I have a sterling silver pilot's badge that may fall into this category. It was given a thumbs-up by George Petersen a number of years back, but I still wonder. It's presently in storage, but I'll be posting close-ups next month. Meanwhile, thanks for any info.

Carsten Fries

[Jeff V]

Hi Carsten, I personally do not have any faith in the "jeweler copy". Why would anyone go to all the trouble and considerable expense having a qualification badge remade by a jeweler, when new badges could be purchased from retail sellers during the war. I think that many a fake has had the words "jeweler copy" sold with it. Without ironclad provenance I am afraid there would not be much value or desireability. best wishes,
jeff

[Frank Heukemes]

Totally agree with Jeff. "Jeweller copy" is a red flag.

[Homer Hodge]

I recall back in the 1960s-70s seeing Knight's Crosses, oakleaves, and oakleaves and swords being sold as "wartime jeweler's copies" - all of them were post-war repros.

[skip]

Not a jewler copy but the only solid silver badge PB I believe in.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ad.php?t=23846



Skip

[Peter J.]

I concur, "jeweller copy" is one of the most misused arguments for making on object legit . With that said, I would like to add a personal opinion to this thread, although not related to qualification badges.

I believe the U-boot mini pictured below is a actual jeweller's copy. There are a couple of reasons for this opinion. The size is not what one would expect, 18.25mm instead of the normal 16mm. The badge is die-struck, but the polished highlights are hand carved. The image doesn't give justice to this feature. If anything from the period was privately made, this is what I would expect from a jeweller with a good portion of pride in his work.

KR
Peter

[LHR1]

Thanks for all of your helpful input. I'll look forward to more when I post photos next month.

Carsten Fries

[Colin F]

Maybe here's proof...

Assuming a "800" silver stamped badge constitutes a jewellers copy I would not discount the production and use of these before you view Hermann Historica Auction 51 Lot Nr.3129 to Sergeant-Major Erwin Haug - decorations, documents, insignia and photographs. It includes two Heer HJ badges, one in aluminium and one "800" silver, to me the silver issues badge would indicate evidence of servicemen either being gifted or having commissioned a privately made badge.

Cheers, Colin

[Colin F]

Jeweller made Heer Para badge?

Did anyone look at the badge in question - see my narrative above...

[90th Light]

Hello to all, I feel it is important to make a distinction here between
"Jewler Copy" and "Delux Quality". Jewler copy could mean any-thing

There were some items made by Jewlers in the period of the Third Reich for example the Nordic items of jewllery that SS officers gave their wives on the birth of a child. These have a special name but it escapes me at present.

On the other hand some manufacturers continued the Imperial German tradition of offering more than one model of an item.i.e subdued, bright or delux. The top or delux quality was offered in 800 or 900+ silver. This was no were near as comman as in the time of the Kaiser but it did happen. Junker for example is one company that followed such a practise.

Certainly any badge in real silver or gold should be checked out very carefully before you pay your money. Buy the item not the story, Chris

[Jeff V]

Assuming a "800" silver stamped badge constitutes a jewellers copy I would not discount the production and use of these before you view Hermann Historica Auction 51 Lot Nr.3129 to Sergeant-Major Erwin Haug - decorations, documents, insignia and photographs. It includes two Heer HJ badges, one in aluminium and one "800" silver, to me the silver issues badge would indicate evidence of servicemen either being gifted or having commissioned a privately made badge.

Cheers, Colin

Hi Colin, unfortunately your reasoning is false. The 800 marked silver badge mentioned above was produced by the C. E. Juncker firm with the same dies as some of the first pattern aluminum para badges made by that firm. The silver badge was a higher quality badge available for the paratroopers to buy with their own money, if they so desired.
best wishes,
jeff

[Colin F]

Jeweller Copies

Chris, Jeff

Yes would have to concur with your points. I guess the jury is still out on this issue...

Cheers,