Although the COA describes this badge as 'tombak', I see strong evidence that it is nickel silver at heart. There is ample wear revealing the silver-colored base metal, even deep scratches which show through as a silver color. Even the high wear to the hinge and catch show silver-colored base metal. Another Brehmer I own has yellow brass showing through on the catch and hinge, and a dull brass/copper hue over a majority of the obverse of the badge. Any thoughts would be appreciated. At this point I'm convinced that it's nickel silver rather than tombak.
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its nickel silver,trust me am a doctor
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I don't know Robert - with the dark spots on the swas and the color poking through on the back it looks like plated brass to me.
MarcComment
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Marc,
Would they put brennlack on a nickel silver badge or only on the tombak? The darkened area on the swasi looks like a layer of brennlack or some sort of subdued finish process. The badge is actually a gray tone, like the ball hinge flaks and 1st Juncker. These photos are deceiving.Comment
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I doubt it. What about the lacquer? Hard to say without it in hand, but it doesn't look like NS to me.Comment
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You're hard to convince tonight.
I looked inside the catch, the filing - silver. Behind the pin where it wore on the loop - silver. Even in the punch hole - subdued. I don't know. Maybe my optimism has the better of me, and you're on the money. 
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Robert,
I just honestly don't know and why rush to judge. Too easy to give a thumbs up or down on the forum when you aren't sure. Maybe it is, but my gut says no. Still, need an in-hand. But what IS the dark matter if not something peeking in? Can you post a large shot of the swas? Wish you had Dietrich's scope...
MarcComment
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Here you are, Marc. The scratches in the swasi show silver metal deep within, no yellowing...Comment
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another...Comment
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Thanks Doc,Originally posted by wh014d4394 View Postits nickel silver,trust me am a doctor
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The dark patches could be lacquer - hard to tell. Some of these babies are heavily plated, but yours has very fine details so might be NS.
MarcComment
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Thanks Marc,
Here's a photo of another Brehmer in near mint condition for comparison. The brownish lacquer is very evident on the swasi.Comment
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Here is a photo of my Brehmer Flak that I have long classified as nickel silver. I don't see any evidence of tombak... pretty sure it's NS.Visit my Badge Collection: http://lbmilitaria.homestead.com/home.htmlComment
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