Cased luft Flak badge

[Marc Garlasco]

Totally original second pattern flak. my OPINION is the swas broke off and was reattached - but it is the original swas. Look at the pattern of the metal behind it - absolutely the same as the claws so looks like the original was resoldered. The crack was formed when someone tried to "better" define the hole by cutting it larger. This could have been period - I certainly have seen this customization before. And it is similar to the grass cut out PABs. The case is great. So looks like a nice war-worn badge. The guy took a bang and she needed to get repaired.
Marc

[Alex Bolotnikov]

Thank you for your opinions, friends! Even if the badge and swaz are original they are still far from "no repairs or damages" as it was stated in the seller's post

[Alex Bolotnikov]

One more question - why are the swaz and the bird so oxidized while the wreath is clean? Is that the result of the resoldering?

[Marc Garlasco]

I would think from handling as you normally handle the wreath.

[John T]

You can almost see a line on the rev where the swaz was attached....the gunk on the front and back could be added burninshing to re-age the eagle and swaz as heat application during the soldering process would discolor the bird and swas, and subsequent grinding and fine metal sanding and polishing to get rid of the seam would leave a bright look...speculation here...contours of swas near bird talons and then continuing downwards show an angle at a certain point,

best,

J