Meybauer Observer's Badge ?

[Rick C]

Only photos I have. Any thoughts or observations?

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Rick,

This is an original Meybauer IMO. Late war, low quality zinc but has all the trademark features of original Meybauer badges, so for me this is a fine original.

Tom

[Sebastien T]

Good zincer PM

[IVAN]

nice original one.

It is very interesting the copper colour I can see on the legs and other parts of eagle, is it in cupal ???

[Rik]

As mentioned by the others, a fine and original badge.

[Thomas Durante]

nice original one.

It is very interesting the copper colour I can see on the legs and other parts of eagle, is it in cupal ???

Good observation Ivan, I think you are correct about the copper coating. We know that Meybauer added a copper coating to their Paratrooper badge eagles, so it makes sense they did it to some of their other zinc-based badges, likely to try and keep the finish intact longer given zinc's tendency to destroy it.

I doubt very much that this is a Cupal eagle though, the bubbling all over it is typical of zinc badges. Whereas Cupal badges don't really bubble like that IMO.

Tom

[AFF96]

Hi Rick,
Very nice looking Meybauer OB

[90th Light]

Good observation Ivan, I think you are correct about the copper coating. We know that Meybauer added a copper coating to their Paratrooper badge eagles, so it makes sense they did it to some of their other zinc-based badges, likely to try and keep the finish intact longer given zinc's tendency to destroy it.

I doubt very much that this is a Cupal eagle though, the bubbling all over it is typical of zinc badges. Whereas Cupal badges don't really bubble like that IMO.

Tom

Hello Tom,

Putting copper over zinc is a cheap form of electro-plated silver or antique silver look. They put the copper on so it will hold the silver then they put a darkening chemical over the silver on the eagle such as we see on this "PM" observer. If they want a bright silver look then they will put frosting over the silver.

The use of copper in the plating of a badge depends on when the badge was made and the quality level the badge was going to be sold for. As the war progressed, copper became harder to obtain just as brass and nickel had already become very difficult to get for the production of badges. Some late war LW clasps have just the copper plating which then had a chemical darkner put over it to make the bronze grade.

In the more expensive plating processes and depending on the base metal. They use a brass coating in preference to copper because it holds the silver in a brighter fashion and can be replated if nesessary.

The copper plating on a zinc badge can sometimes be mistaken for the copper brown of a badge made from "Tombac". One can tell "Cupal" however, by the weight but it is sometimes mistaken depending on the badge and if one did not study the edge of the badge which will often reveal the compressed layers Cupal is made from,

Chris

[Thomas Durante]

Thanks for the info Chris, great information. I really enjoy learning about the different metals used during the war and how they changed as the war progressed.

Tom

[90th Light]

Thanks for the info Chris, great information. I really enjoy learning about the different metals used during the war and how they changed as the war progressed.

Tom

Cheers Tom,

In my early days, I thought I had a couple of Assault badges with light wear and beautiful frosted/ burnished finish which I thought were Tombac but cold not understand the later apply to zinc type hinge & hook. Now I know.

All an enjoyable learning curve as you say,

Chris

[e-maus]

Hi
It is difficult in the late war production Cupal expected as the base material.
Simultaneously this badge has a nice silver plating. I think that is badge of zinc and cooper coating . To protect zinc the against oxidation. But simultaneously prevent the absorption silvering by the zinc . Only my 5 cents.
Greets
Jacek

[IVAN]

Hi,
I agree usually in these kind of later badges cupal is unused.....tombak I don't think but can be a good help the weight of this badge comparing with a normal zinc piece......
please can you do a later macro photo in some part where can see copper?
thanks
Ivan

[Rick C]

Thanx for the comments & guidance guys. My query derived from this one having no where near the detail/quality of work as my existing Juncker and I figure it never hurts to ask for views before jumping in.

This is on its way in so I'll update photos when I get it.

Again, many thanks for the information and help in confirming its legitimacy.

Rick

[Rick C]

Well, my new Observer came in today & I thought I would share some (I hope) better photos than I first presented for your review.

[Rick C]

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