Para badge - Good or bad?

[hcliffe]

This one is a real junker (not juncker!). Rivets have been re-soldered, swaz broken off, catch repaired etc. However, is it good? Took it in trade on some items as a repro, so I have almost nothing invested in it. The eagle is "vaulted", the wreath slightly as well. Thoughts?

[hcliffe]

Back. sorry about the poor pics, but I'm at the mercy of a cheap scanner.

[spectre]

You’re right, a real junker! The wreath is not like any original badge the oak leaves are a dead give away. The eye in the eagle is a not a full circle as on most originals. Even the position of the eagle on the wreath is the wrong orientation, its too steep.

Good that you didn’t have anything in it, maybe you can bend the pin and use it as a fishing lure.

Alan

[Kecon]

Hi Harry

The wreath and hindge of your badge look very similar to
that of those late war unmarked pilot badges. They have
been discussed on the forum before. I have a picture in
a book around here with one of these Paras shown but
have never seen one in hand. The catch on yours looks
to be repaired and I would'nt even try to explain the way
the eagle is positioned on the wreath. I got a feeling this
piece could be real. Lets see if anyone else has any thoughts
on this one.

Best regards
Ken

[Jos L C]

Hi,
It's a heavily abused original zinker IMO..
Pity though the swas is gone ,it would have been a nice one for display on a jacket..

Jos.

[Kecon]

Harry

I found the picture of this type badge. Knew I'd seen it somewhere.
It is pictured in a book called "Detecting The Fakes" by Robin Lumsden.
It is described as an original, die cast zinc piece. ?? Also the eagle
in that one looks to be in "dive bomber mode". Mounted at a sharply
downward angle. My clue was the small dimple on the end of the leaf
on the right side. Third from the bottom. I still believe your piece
could be an original.

Regards
Ken

[hcliffe]

Wow Ken, great detective work. Any chance you can post a picture from that book?

[Kecon]

Harry

Sorry, no can do. My computer skill level is about zero. If I could,
I would. I guess I thought everone had a copy of this book. It's
been around for about ump-teen years. Hopefully, someone will
help us out with this.

Regards
Ken

[MartyC]

book

Harry

Sorry, no can do. My computer skill level is about zero. If I could,
I would. I guess I thought everone had a copy of this book. It's
been around for about ump-teen years. Hopefully, someone will
help us out with this.

Regards
Ken

Harry, I have that book and will show it to you Friday.

Marty

[hcliffe]

Ken,

I was able to get this book and evaluate the 2 badges. I think you are right on. My badge compares very favorably to the one pictured and described as an original. The leaf details and deep diving eagle are the same as you mentioned, and the hinge and pin are identical as well. Thanks for your help on this.

[Kecon]

Harry

Your welcome. Glad to be of help.

Regards
Ken