Denazification: Affect on price

[Andy F-P]

Hello,
As a general rule, what affect does denazification have on the value of an original piece? I have an early original fighter pilot clasp in bronze. Someone, at some point in its existence has had a go at the swastika and now you have to really concentrate to see the outline of it. I brought this for £60 about five years ago.

It got me thinking about denazification and how this affected the desirability and value of original pieces. I would be grateful for any comments or opinions.
Thank you,
Andy

[Marc Garlasco]

I would expect to pay $500 for a Tombak 1st pattern Juncker flak badge. I recently bought a denas one to play with for $20. Other than the swas missing it was mint.
Marc

[Jonathan M]

WOW thats a massive effect on the price!

[Marc Garlasco]

What would you pay me for my pilot badge if I decided to clip the wings off? Same difference.
Marc

[Andy F-P]

Marc,
Dear me! I thought it would loose about 40%ish of its value but to loose about 95% or more of its value is a bit steep. The swastika is just a symbol and the badge is still original.

Has anyone else seen or brought denazified Luftwaffe badges and what did you pay?
Regards,
Andy

[afrikasandman]

Andy, but we buy the pieces in a sense for the swastica. the swastica represents that time in history and the german army at that point. The badge can be 100% original but with out the swastica its just not really worth squat. Just my opinion. Matt

[RamJet]

What would you pay me for my pilot badge if I decided to clip the wings off? Same difference.
Marc

Agree 100 % ...

[Jody]

De-Nazified

Hi Andy,
I agree with the others, a de-Nazified badges and awards really hold no value to me. If I was going to collect those things I would instead collect 1957 awards.

Here is another good example, many years ago I was offered a sd Heer M-42 (except the swastika was scratched away) and a no decal M-42 Heer. I ended up getting the no decal M-42.

Regards,
Jody

[Andy F-P]

Gentlemen,
Thank-you for your comments. I think you have shown me an overwhelming response in try and stay away from denazified original awards! However, personally I do not mind them that much as the denazification is also part of the history. Don't get me wrong, I would much rather have a complete award but without the award being changed in this way it may not be hear at all.
Thanks for your comments.
Regards,
Andy

[DONDon1]

I bought an denazid junkers Pilotbadge for 120,-euro and it is
every cent worth because it´s real history.I would never buy an 57
ore fake award

[Nico C]

Andy, but we buy the pieces in a sense for the swastica. the swastica represents that time in history and the german army at that point. The badge can be 100% original but with out the swastica its just not really worth squat. Just my opinion. Matt

Like it or not, but the swastica gives those badges their special feeling, their attractiveness.

[Don D.]

Value is in the eye of the collector. Typically, I see de-nazified awards go for up to 1/3 of what a good one would go for. It also depends on what award we are talking about.

[Adrian]

I think it each case should also be taken on its own merits as well. A couple of years ago I traded a good quality denazified U-boat badge in tombak for a Deumer Airgunner badge. It was a straight swap. I originally paid £40 for the U-boat badge when I first started collecting and the Airgunner I swapped it for was priced at £130.

[Mike Pinkus]

ill be the dissenting voice here...as far as denazified awards in some ways they represent to me the personal side of everything...since obviously these were "owned/awarded" pieces...and if the award itself is a rare maker or desireable for other reasons such as condition etc then it is of course worth even more....i value them as being inthe 30-40% discount range for the swaz not being there...all other things being equal...
my .02
mike

[Carlton Gooch]

Sick feeling

I can't describe the "Sick" feeling that I get in the pit of my Stomach when I see a nice rare badge or award that has had the swastika removed. It's just Pitiful. I've passed on some nice things because of this. I think that next time I'll buy it and then it's off to Dr.Love!
All the best, Butch