Some silly questions on the Luftwaffe GAB

[stogieman]

Has the R.K. Luftwaffe GAB been reproduced?
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Is the R.K. the same maker as the numbered RK GAB/PAB Badges?
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If so, why the different maker marks?
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Thanks!

[Lorenzo Brown]

Has the R.K. Luftwaffe GAB been reproduced?


Is the R.K. the same maker as the numbered RK GAB/PAB Badges?


If so, why the different maker marks?


Thanks!

Hi Rick. Yes, the Ground combat badge (GCB) has been reproduced. Attached below is one of the more often encountered reproductions.

Yes, Rudolf Karneth is the maker of those named badges.

The "R.K." mark on the GCB is similar to that on the PAB and Minesweeper, et al. The difference from the numbered GAB/PAB is not particularly noteworthy since numerous makers have had different marks on their badges.

[stogieman]

How about this one?

Hi Lorenzo, Thanks for the details! This badge is on a dealer's website. I like the pin/catch, look of the base metal. But his reputation has some issues, so I wanted to check. This is a badge I never paid much attention to, so I am unfamiliar. The one thing that strikes me about the obverse, is that the eagle's nose is seriously in need of plastic surgery?! Looks like a toucan!

[stogieman]

Reverse:

Here's the back side. I like the rivets too. very similar to my RK GAB's.

[mads]

Hello Rick!
In my opinion this is the original one, it is supposed to have that strange beak.
here is a picture of the fake one

Mads

[mads]

reverse:

[mads]

from top...note thickness of eagle.

[Pascal H.]

I agree with Mads. The LW GAB you have shown us looks like a good one .
The nose looks indeed like Michael J. old nose but in those days you just had to live with it.

Pascal

Ps. You think this is a silly question? Just look some of the questions I ask .

[IVAN]

yes, Rick
that is a original piece, even with that "nose", is usual to find like that in R.K.

ivan

[ERIC S.]

Yeah Rick, the one you show is the real thing. The beak looking as it does would normally throw up the proverbial "red flag", but not in this case with this particular maker. The "hooked" beak is one of the first things to look for when considering one of these Karneth GCB's.
ERIC

[Tim B.]

Much Better!

Rick,

No you can see why my "wrong beak" comments were made on that #25 GCB you posted in the other thread. This is the correct style eagle for R.K.

The rivets look pretty good, do you know what the base metal is? Do yourself a favor and "search" other articles for details on these. Mike Pinkus also has an article and shows some minor variations in the catch base as well. Good reading IMO.

Tim

[Lorenzo Brown]

Hi Rick. I think it looks like a good one. I have seen several variations of this badge with some minor variations to each...but from what you show it looks like an original. If you buy the badge, please show us some side-angle shots of the catch and the pin.