Assman Observer w/ custom(?) setup

[norwest]

I believe this is tombak with nickel-silver plating. A horizontal pin assembly was put on; in fact, it appears that the usual vertical setup was never there, or else it was expertly removed. Anybody have/seen anything similar?

Regards,
Kevin

[norwest]

The rivet next to the catch was ground down, probably so it wouldn't interfere with the catch plate.

[norwest]

,

[norwest]

;

[mmiller]

Can't say I've EVER seen a horizontal set-up on an Observer! Not a factory job, and no signs of a vertical set-up having ever been applied. I'm not sure about the rivet style, either.

Much suspicion.

Regards,
Mark

[emilitaria_usmc]

Looks like a local jeweler did this.
They definitely have the expertise to remove a catch and hinge with virtually no trace.

[mmiller]

I've been doing fairly sophisticated soldering in the electronic field for 40 years, and I can't imagine an entire hinge and catch being removed without a trace. I sure couldn't do it.

There would be (at the least) heat and acidic solder discoloration of the silver finish, and depending, file or emery cloth surface scratching. It is impossible to wick away all traces of the solder. Therefore, the traces would need to be polished out with fine abrasive paper, which would remove the nickel silver and put an excessive gloss to the surface. In my opinion, in this particular case, the jeweler that attached this hinge and catch a bit crudely, wouldn't have had the skills to perform a 'spotless' removal.

My guess, if anything, the badge was simply never assembled with rear hardware.

Regards,
Mark

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

Imo the original vertical hardware has been removed. There is tombak visible at the hardware attachment points. These areas have been polished as well imo. Keep in mind that these early examples generally required very little solder for good bonding.

Regards
Mike

[norwest]

I think you hit the nail on the head, Mike. I was going to post some better pictures of those areas, but you already spotted them.

--Kevin

[mmiller]

Mike, Kevin,

Yep, I saw those small areas and wondered about them too. I guess they could be explained as the areas immediately below the hinge arms and catch. Since the badge would have been finished after they were attached, there would be no silver finish over those areas. So what appears to be remotely brassy is most likely unfinished tombak. But without a trace of solder? Well, all is possible. Maybe the solder bonded to the hinge and catch metals more than to the wreath surface, when heated and removed.

Good thing I'm not a jeweler!

Mark

[Brian S]

But why?

The badge would droop downward wouldn't it? I can't imagine wanting to depin the badge and set it sideways.