Assmann Observer - Marked 800

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

I have been asked my opinion about the interesting Assmann Obsever badge featured in Stephen Previtera's new book on Luftwaffe badges. It is shown on page 162 & 163. What makes it interesting is the fact that the swastika has an 800 silver mark on one of the legs. Before replying to this collector, I figured it would be good to open up a discussion on this badge and see what other opinions are out there aside from my own.

Here are the pages from Stephen's book, hope he doesn't mind. I am sure most Luft. collectors already have this excellent book in their library, so I am just showing here for reference. I was also able to locate some additional pics of the badge I had in my own database saved many years ago.

Looking forward to everyone's thoughts on originality.

Thanks guys.

Tom

[Thomas Durante]

pg2

[Thomas Durante]

O

[Thomas Durante]

r

[Thomas Durante]

800

[Mike Kenny]

Biggest question for me is the hardware - hinge and catch are not Assmann imo. I have seen an Assmann dip wreath repro with "spun" rivets (and the left rivet on this example looks messy and not the usual tombak colour) - I'm wondering now if this is a high quality repro in that series? My own gut feeling is "suspicious".

Regards
Mike

[George L]

Copy that! Not one I'd want in the collection...

Biggest question for me is the hardware - hinge and catch are not Assmann imo. I have seen an Assmann dip wreath repro with "spun" rivets (and the left rivet on this example looks messy and not the usual tombak colour) - I'm wondering now if this is a high quality repro in that series? My own gut feeling is "suspicious".

Regards
Mike

[John T]

Well...the rivets are being called textbook, but I do not think so.

I see at least five things in ten seconds that I do not like,

Best,

J

[Larry Lipps]

Guys, correct me if I'm wrong, but would an 800 marked piece be a private purchase? If so, and it was assembled by a jeweler or similar maker, I could understand any assortment of hardware being attached. This is the main reason any 800 marked badges scare the crap out of me.

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies so far, much appreciated.

Larry, that is a very good point. But I would pose this question; if it were made by a jewler, why the Assmann maker mark?

Keep the opinions coming guys. Lets get a fwe more with specific reasons for/against the merits of this badge.

Thanks

Tom

[juvatwad]

The worn area at the tip of the 3 O'clock swas arm doesn't look like silver to me, and the areas around the base plate of the hinge and the catch show some signs that they may be replacements. If I were to dole out the cash to buy a custom made observer badge with a silver eagle, I would want it to shine on my uniform.Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm of the impression that in general terms with respect to antiques, polishing silver does not detract from the value. If so, perhaps an attempt at polishing at least the back of the eagle could indicate whether this is silver or not. If it is, even if the concensus is that the badge isn't a true TR piece, it would still have some value.

Ian

[George L]

Ok,

1) Why the shear marks on the wreath for a jeweler made piece?
2) Silver stamp and Assmann stamps don't add up as noted
3) Incorrect hardware for a true Assmann. Could all be replaced, but I doubt it
4) Rivets are close, but no cigar!

[spectre]

I wouldn't give a wooden nickel for it, for the long list of reasons already stated.

The wreath looks like the 'dip' version to me and that was always based on an Assmann.

I don't think I have seen any badge that had an 800 mark on the edge like this before. Why would anyone do that and not just put it on the back??

Alan

[Larry Lipps]

Guys,
I don't want to appear to be defending this badge but trying to get an understanding of 800 marked pieces in general. I was of the impression that 800 badges were custom pieces. On those grounds I would expect a jeweler or whoever would use an original badge to make a mold for for the 800 piece. If that's the case, I could understand the loss of detail and the raised maker's mark this piece exhibits. I would not however expect to see Assmann style rivets. As was previously stated, the eagle really doesn't really have the appearance I'd expect if it were 800 silver. Since I've always been afraid of these , I've never considered owning one, but I'd like to understand whether the prevailing thought is whether these were custom made by the factory or an outside contractor.

[Niblet]

Can some tell me what a "dip" version of wreath is??
great thread thanks!