A much loved Observer

[JTownsend]

That is very good advice that most would not think of, Bob. Thanks. Best way is to just remove the nuts and take them to a hardware store that sells both metric and standard hardware. You do not have to take the badge to the store, just the nut. Then start pulling out some bolts, both metric and standard, and see which one fits the nut. It should go on easy. That would be a first step test for me for any "screw" type fitting.

[Bob Hritz]

A good old fashioned hardware store will have a set of thread guages available. These will fit the threads perfectly and tell you what type and size threads. I just have never seen any threaded nuts like these on a German badge. I have seen plenty on US insignia, both US made and post war German made, most commonly US distinctive insignia for the collar or epaulettes.


Bob Hritz

[Mark S.]

US Distinctive insignia screwback is the first thing that popped into my head as well.

I am not quite sure why all the fuss over whether its metric or not. These DI Insignia were also being made postwar by German firms in Germany. Were they instructed to use SAE threads?

If you do head down to a hardware store, what you are looking for is a thread pitch index, but I seriously doubt it they have one that small. Common applications is to read the thread so you can buy a tap or die. There isnt much common application for teeny metric threads.

[skip]

Hi Guys,

thanks for all the comments. I really was in two minds about buying this but after the dealer dropped the price by 150Euro I just had to go for it.

The thread is a metric M2, I don´t have to go to a hardware store as I am a armourer by trade and come from the metal working branch.

A german collector here as expressed the opinion that such nuts were used in german aircraft cockpits, something to do with the instruments. I don´t know how accurate this is though.

Here are some pics of the case as requested.

Skip

[skip]

open, with the badge in it

[skip]

Of course I could´nt resist pulling the inlet out after Frank and Marcus had expressed some concerns.

[skip]

This is always nice to find. Although I have other cases that have only a plywood inlet.

[Neil Howes]

Nice case, normally the type associated with 'Second pattern' type badges.

Regards,

Neil