Aluminum Pilot Light as a Feather

[Lorenzo Brown]

Interesting discussion. Brian shows an aluminum badge without the "DRGM' and with the typical tombak hinge and catch set-up. Add to the mix the Pilot badge shown on Yuri's article that was submitted by Gene. That badge shows a "DRGM" marked wreath on a tombak badge. Interesting on Gene's is that the hinge appears to be the cast-in type usually seen on the aluminum wreaths...but the catch is the soldered C-catch.

I always thought that the "DRGM" patent referred specifically to the development of the cast-in hinge and catch first appearing on their aluminum badges. But maybe these dies were interchanged between aluminum and tombak badges.

[Brian S]

John, I wouldn't argue for a moment that these guys weren't proud of their first pair of wings. But if they made it to the front and the badge seperated, at least a few must have been discarded in favor of a sturdy Juncker.

Well Gordon, at the risk of getting Frank to say, "I told you so", this weighs in at 21 grams if my gunpowder conversion from grains is correct. I have seen what you call a 1st pattern and it is considerably 'thinner' than this. This one is pretty much exactly like the normal tombak Assmann. Same pin and catch and without doubt it is 100% Aluminum.

I just hope I can figure out the name that the family tried to hide on the wreath...

[Brian S]

Very belt buckleish in construction on the catch.

[Brian S]

The Tombak Assmann weighs in at 1.6 oz. Exact same dimensions. 45.2 grams.

[J Temple-West]

Just as a point of reference, here's the 1st pat in Alu..

[Brian S]

Aluminum Versus Tombak Density

Aluminum has a density of approximately 2.7 grams/cubic CM

IRON has a density of approximately 7.8 grams/cubic CM

The 2nd Pat. badge is not 100% Alu. as the catch and pin weigh in to some degree. And, the tombak badge is not IRON but what else do we use?

Taking into consideration the lack of perfect comparisons to density we have to make an imperfect comparison of about IRON to ALUM of 2.8 to 1. But, TOMBAK is NOT as dense as IRON. So drop it to maybe 2.5 to 1. BUT, the ALU badge contains PIN/CATCH so lower again. Maybe 2.25 to 1?

My two badges weigh in at 45.2 and 21 or 2.15 to 1. Within tolerance.