My first Luftwaffe (flak) badge!

[Cyclosarin]

Up until just a few days ago I had no badges from the Luftwaffe. I have been wanting a Flak badge so badly for some time now - and I now have one for my collection. I just wanted to share it with you - no maker mark but in good condition I believe? I am not quite sure what the material is.

(Apologies for the less then best lighting - I did the best I could.)

[Cyclosarin]

[Cyclosarin]

[Cyclosarin]

[Cyclosarin]

[Cyclosarin]

That's it for pictures. It was one of the styles that I really like. If anyone knows the material (I don't think it is zinc?) - I'd love to know.
-Jen

[John T]

An unmarked early example by Brehmer

[Marc Garlasco]

Very nice Tombak Brehmer indeed!
Marc

[Cyclosarin]

Thanks guys..so it is tombak? Does that mean it cannot be affected by zinkpest?

Because I thought there was a bit of the stuff on the wreath right to the left of the left side of the eagle's wing. I used a small amount of virgin olive oil and a q tip in some spots.

Did I do ok? I was so worried that I'd end up making it look like an amateur took a floor shiner to the thing. As someone who loves the aged look of a badge - I didn't want to make it look brand new..but I did want to make sure the badge was well cared for in all areas. Does everything look ok in that respect?

Thanks so much for your comments guys. I thought it might be tombak but I was not sure.
-Jen

[Darrell]

Thanks guys..so it is tombak? Does that mean it cannot be affected by zinkpest?

Because I thought there was a bit of the stuff on the wreath right to the left of the left side of the eagle's wing. I used a small amount of virgin olive oil and a q tip in some spots.

Did I do ok?-Jen

Jen, can't get zincpest on a Tombak badge. Unless there was some delicate finishing present, I doubt oil would hurt the badge, but if it's Tombak I would stick to leaving the badge as is.

[Marc Garlasco]

You can not get zincpest if there is no zinc! Keep the gunk off the badge - you might remove some original finish or harm it. I doubt the germans were dipping these in oil - that is ONLY recommended for Italian badges.
Marc

[Robert P.]

They didn't get it, Marc, the part about the tombak not getting zincpest.

Robert

[Cyclosarin]

Understood. I'll leave it as is.
-Jen

[Marc Garlasco]

Looking at your badge again it has a lot of original laquer - nice score!