Luftwaffe GAB & Flak - are these OK?

[Tim O.]

I have always assumed that most TR awards were machine made and hand finished (like other costume jewellery). This would mean the finish on any given example would vary with the nature and mood of the finisher - maybe badges on Mondays and Fridays were less well finished than other days?

As a consequence occasional lumps and bumps have never really worried me too much. Certainly proven genuine examples of many awards can have cracks and marks that are sometimes even read as 'marks of authenticity'.

We know also that companies swapped parts and I suspect this may have happened more than we currently know, once the Allied bombing campaign got really serious.

I have a clear vested interest but still think this badge could be OK.

Thanks for the interest.

Tim O.

[Tim O.]

Dear All

I finally got new batteries for my accurate scales and the Luftwaffe GAB in question comes in at 31.2 grammes.

best wishes
Tim O.

[Marc Garlasco]

My main concern with the weight is IF it is Tombak, it should be heavier than a zinc of the same maker. But if it is zinc and you just can't tell, well, square one.
Marc

[Tim O.]

Marc

I guess we need to park this for now as unresolved. I'm still confused why both Forman and Niemann list Buntmetall versions of the Luftwaffe GAB (separately to the MuK version) in their price guides if they did not exist, or is it just Osang you feel did not do Buntmetall?

regards
Tim O.