A. Werner Named "A" Pilots Badge

[Thomas Durante]

Eagle-eye Tim! I noticed the repaired catch and rivets, but completely overlooked the swastika replacement, great eye Tim! The replaced swastika explains the repaired rivets too, an expert repair like this probably required the eagle to be removed from the wreath.

I think a wartime replacement is indeed a possiblity Chuck, for the simple reason is the blackening matches perfectly to both swastika and eagle. It doesn't look like patina, but rather that the bird was reblued after the repair. Does it look like that in-hand Chuck? If the solder is totally covered by the blueing, then that is a real possibility IMO.

Tom

[vonStubben]

OK, here are some answers to some of the last questions. The swastika measures 1.3cm wide and is the exact thickness as the eagle. Yes, the entire eagle and swastika have been re-blued, which accounts for not being able to see the solder used to join the two pieces, and of course the catch is repaired with a different style catch normally used by Assmann. A couple of other modifications have been made to the badge as well. Both wing tips have been reshaped, curling backward toward the wearer. This can be seen by the tool marks on the back of the wings. The front is void of any tool marks though.

[vonStubben]

So.........................., any more thoughts about this swastika coming from an Observers badge???

Chuck

[George L]

In my eyes, that swaz is too small to be from an observer.

So.........................., any more thoughts about this swastika coming from an Observers badge???

Chuck

[vonStubben]

I don't collect LW badges and have just put this badge on the e-stand. I am sure that whoever buys it will not be sorry as it has been repaired in a fashion that I believe only the best of jewelers could do. I also believe that this was not done post war but during, for whatever reason. Whenever, or why, will always remain a mystery but it's well worth what I am asking for it.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

Regards,

Chuck

[Brian S]

Perhaps for the proud new owner;

I think this is rather H Werner if he survived the war, rankliste 1945.

Ended the war below the rank of Major, a Hauptleute, but born 17.10.15.

No DK or other high elevated award listed. But, a real guy...

Ltn. Werner Hermann, 10./JG53

'Pik - As'


Just in case this doesn't ring any bells, this is the squadran of another Werner... One with an umlaut in his last name, who tragically died early in the war but not before catching the eye of every German and Uncle Addy.

[Jos L C]

I've seen replaced swas's more than once, even at pilotbadges.., does this mean that swas's of german badges easily broke off for whatever reason and had to be fixed, what forces do we've to think of causing this mystery ?

I've seen totally bent badges after a crash, but all had their swas still in place.., bent forward, bent backward, bent aside, curled..., but not broken..

Jos.