My First Luftwaffe Wireless Operators Badge

[DavidM]

Hello

I have just got back from the Stockport Militaria fair, from where I have bought my first Luftwaffe Wireless Operators badge. It looks to me like it is made from tombak. The detail and finish to it are excellent. It is maker marked 'BSW' in a clover leaf on the reverse. The top right arm of the swastika has been fretted out.

Would anyone know if this is an early, mid or late war version ?

As always, any comments or observations welcomed.

Thank you

Regards
David

[DavidM]

Rear

[DavidM]

Makers Mark 'BSW' in clover leaf

[Alexjager]

I believe that BSW stamp is wrong. Sorry

[DavidM]

Hello

Thanks for the comment. I would have to disagree as the BSW mark on this badge matches all the known original ones that I have seen both on this and other forums, as well as in reference books. With the exception of BSW awards where the companies full name is spelt out, I believe that this style of clover leaf BSW mark is about the only accepted authentic one.

Regards
David

[Rich G]

David

The hardware looks right but I think the details of the eagle and wreath are not.

Rich

[Alexjager]

Hello

Thanks for the comment. I would have to disagree as the BSW mark on this badge matches all the known original ones that I have seen both on this and other forums, as well as in reference books. With the exception of BSW awards where the companies full name is spelt out, I believe that this style of clover leaf BSW mark is about the only accepted authentic one.

Regards
David

If you do a seach for the BSW logo on the forum you will find some threads comparing fake to real stamps. The "W" is too short and is too high in the clover leaf. Fake badge IMO.

[DavidM]

Hello Richard

Thanks for the comments. I see that you edited your original comment that the badge is good and everything that you would expect to see on a BSW made piece. Could you say what on the eagle and wreath is wrong please.

If this badge is wrong I have absolutely no problems returning it, (based on your revised comments and John Temple-West over on the GMIC I've already spoken to the dealer who says to send it back if I have any doubts), but before I do I'd like, if possible, some pointers as to what about this one isn't quite correct - especially with the hardware being ok.

Many thanks for help.

Regards
David

[DavidM]

If you do a seach for the BSW logo on the forum you will find some threads comparing fake to real stamps. The "W" is too short and is too high in the clover leaf. Fake badge IMO.

Hello

Yes, this one appears to be turning out to be wrong. With the dealer I bought it from at the show there is no problem at all in returning it. I'm extremely surprised that this particular dealer got caught out with a fake - that said though, we all do from time to time !!

Regards
David

[Rich G]

Hello Richard

Thanks for the comments. I see that you edited your original comment that the badge is good and everything that you would expect to see on a BSW made piece. Could you say what on the eagle and wreath is wrong please.

If this badge is wrong I have absolutely no problems returning it, (based on your revised comments and John Temple-West over on the GMIC I've already spoken to the dealer who says to send it back if I have any doubts), but before I do I'd like, if possible, some pointers as to what about this one isn't quite correct - especially with the hardware being ok.

Many thanks for help.

Regards
David

David

I posted too quick and immediately afterwards checked some references and found while the reverse looks convincing for BSW the obverse did not match in eagle and wreath design.


Rich

[spectre]

David,
I agree with Richard that this badge is not good. The eagles face and claws are not right for a BSW. The mark is off as well for the points made by Alex.

Take it back.

Alan

[DavidM]

Hello

Thanks to all for their help and input with this. Arrangements have been made for this to go back. Fortunately the dealer I got this from is highly reputable, and honourable - a rare breed !! - so no issues or problems returning it.

I think I'll stick to what I know about, iron crosses.

Many thanks.

Regards
David

[DavidM]

Hello

Just to complete the story on this piece, I have returned the badge to the dealer, and as expected, without any problems at all. At least there are still some genuinely reputable and honest dealers out there who honour their guarentees and return policies.

Regards
David

[Steve C]

Hi David,
An honest dealer at Stockport? name and shame the blighter!
If its the dealer I am thinking of he must have had a bad day, most unlike him to let anything bad slip thro his net.
Just shows how dangerous it can be to wander outside your area of expertise.

Regards
Steve C

[DavidM]

Hi David,
An honest dealer at Stockport? name and shame the blighter!
If its the dealer I am thinking of he must have had a bad day, most unlike him to let anything bad slip thro his net.
Just shows how dangerous it can be to wander outside your area of expertise.

Regards
Steve C

Hello

An honest and reputable dealer is an extremely endangered species !! I agree, with this dealer it virtually unheard of for bad items to come from him, but occasionally we all get caught out.

Would you be thinking of a dealer from the top end of the Lake District, Cumbria, near the Scottish border ? If so you are correct, and in my opinion he is one the best dealers around - bar none !

Regards
David