Luftwaffe Glider Badge? or Garbage

[mmiller]

Look at Icarus' feet on Mike's badge and my example. Compare with the badge in question. See a difference. And the detials in the clenched fists & fingers. The sharpness just isn't there. I'm with Mike. If you are going to shell out $2500 - $3500 for a badge, get one that is unquestionable.

[jwburchell]

Many of the features of the badge in question are similar to those shown...except for the lack of crisp detail, as mentioned. This is an early one with a low number so one might expect it to be of excellent quality in the detail. Perhaps this one has had a bad life and was not cared for well. To me the enamelling looks good; the pin hardware and retaining clasp appear correct and the lettering on the reverse compares well with the examples shown. One differing detail that struck me, comparing it to my own - the numeral "3" on the one in question and mine shown here.

John

My badge - obverse & reverse:

[Matthew G.]

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This is from member Fluglehrer in a message to me.

Yes, that is a tough one. The one you have pictured initially looks completely authentic, until you compare the definition of the Icarus face and arms. The face shows pretty good definition but the arms and fingers leave allot to be desired. There can be legit reasons for lack of definition, worn dies, oxidation, wear ect. On the majority of fakes the gulls do not have eyes. The pin on the one you have pictured varies from the one Mike H. has pictured, I have seen both types on authentic pieces. Like Mike H. said, the numbers look real good. It's a tough call, but taking the finish into consideration, I would have to say the one you have pictured has a very good chance of being authentic to the TR period. Real hard to tell from a photograph, although yours are pretty good. My opinion ..

All the best ..
Mike W.

[Matthew G.]

hmmm....

Although I am out of town I could have someone take very good pictures of the Icarus and the badge. Would that help? The detail is in the fist and arms its just hard to see. Like a few have said “not sharp”. On a side note I’ve been looking around on the web for hours today and the more I look the more I feel it is in fact real. Part of the reason I feel this way is because of been looking at reproductions and they don’t even compare to the one I posted. And on the repro gulls they are always messed up. And the gulls here are good. I personally think that it’s worn from wear, and poor storage. But like I said I’m no expert in badges.

[Stijn David]

NSFG large glider

Hello,


I also have questions with the shown badge, and for the following reasons;

* It seems to e made from a different material then we normally see (Zink instead of Buntmetall?)

* The numbering on the reverse is also not the nice and clean numbe rthat we normally see. See for a textbook one with number the pictures from MMiller.

We then either have,

1° a second issue made at a much later period then the standard issue and numbered.

2° a not good one.

One should need to see this one in the flesh in my opinion.

Cordial greetings

[Matthew G.]

Thanks for weighing in Stijn your opinion is highly valued to me. Could you explain to me what you mean by "a second issue made at a much later period then the standard issue and numbered". Also if it "needs" to be in flesh maybe we could make that happen...

[nsfk]

I have studied the photos and am a bit torn over this one, as previouly stated the general lack of crispness of detail is a worry and would normally indicate a repro. however the enamel work and the numbering/lettering on the back appears to be of the period. in view of the high prices involved, i would wait until a less debatable piece became available. as always i must state this my opinion only, and that there is no definitive answer. hope this helps. Ray

[mmiller]

Please provide better images if you want honest valid objective opinions. The images posted so far are terrible.

More than once, better images have reversed peoples opinions here.

Thanks,
Mark

[Matthew G.]

photos

Better images are coming soon!!!

[fliegerass]

heres mine

my friend Peter Lengrüsser brought out an excellent article on these. I will look at it

[Matthew G.]

Ok everyone new pictures in!!

I think these pictures should help.......

[Matthew G.]

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[Matthew G.]

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[Matthew G.]

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[Matthew G.]

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