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**Thomas Durante** · 09-09-2012, 11:59 AM

Hi Andrei,

Both look like S&L badges. The base metal, reverse hardware and finish all look like what I would expect from a latewar S&L badge, but as with this maker, impossible to say if it was latewar or postwar IMO.

Tom

**andrei1774** · 09-09-2012, 12:10 PM

Thanks Thomas.
as far as I remember, there is no concrete evidence that S&L produced LW GAB?

**Thomas Durante** · 09-09-2012, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by andrei1774 View Post

Thanks Thomas.
as far as I remember, there is no concrete evidence that S&L produced LW GAB?

No evidence that they made these during the war. They certainly made it after the war, we just don't know when they started.

Tom

**Crusader17** · 09-09-2012, 02:51 PM

So....in summary

As the current owner of these badges, and since they are listed for sale, I'm interested in this thread as any prospective sale is dependent upon the discussion.

Honestly, the doubt that has been raised already will likely lead to these being scrapped, so, is it fair to assume that the result is that these are both likely post-war badges, that the GAB may be post-war, or that we really don't know?

Any other comments would be appreciated.

Bob

**Thomas Durante** · 09-09-2012, 05:59 PM

Hi Bob,

By all means, the debate is far from settled so continue to sell them as is. When it comes to S&L, they will continue to be debated because of their postwar activities. Since none of us know exactly when S&L started production after the war, we don't know whether these badges are leftover wartime badges or postwar-produced. Physical characteristics on your badges (such as base metal, reverse hardware, rivetting style, type of finish, tool mark on the pin, etc.) can give us clues to their time period, but at best we can say is that they are "wartime compatible" in my opinion.

The S&L LW flak badge has been acquired by vets and also found ground dug, and therefore was most certainly produced during the war IMO. Same with the LW Paratrooper badge. Those are the only two Luftwaffe badges that have solid evidence linking them to the war.

Other Luftwaffe badges can be linked to S&L (LW GAB, Flight Clasps, Glider, Observer, Pilot, Retired Pilot, etc.), but were they made during the war too? No one knows, lots of theories and speculation but no physical evidence to say a definitive yes IMO.

Tom

**Crusader17** · 09-09-2012, 06:07 PM

Thanks!

Thanks for clarification Tom. Since the GAB is in question as far as timing of production, a price reduction may be in order.

I have seen many of the flak badges, so I am comfortable with that one.

I'll stop by to say hello at the MAX.

Bob

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