This morning, while doing my usual rounds of the major dealer websites, I came across an article that set me back on my heels. Perhaps you saw it. If not, the article (written by a well-known militaria dealer) contends that all the "Brehmer Markneu Kirchen" marked Luft Flak badges are FAKE!!
Now...most of us KNOW that there ARE in fact fake versions of the “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” Luft Flak badge...BUT, this article alleges that ALL “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked Flak badges are fake…that the ONLY authentic Gustav Brehmer Flak badges are marked “GB”!!
Well, this was news to me, and after studying the article I came to the conclusion that some of the article’s supporting arguments don't appear legitimate or well-founded. Accordingly, several well respected collectors from this forum were consulted on this issue, and the consensus is that article is…(how can I put this delicately?).. PREPOSTEROUS!!!
In a day-long discussion with a number of knowledgeable forum members, virtually EVERY POINT made in the article was either disputed and/or contradicted:
1) The article claims that “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” badges have “poor detail to the eagle” and a “misformed beak”. To this we would respond with the attached scan of a “ Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badge that clearly shows a well-detailed eagle and a beak is that is NOT misshapen.
http://photofile.homestead.com/files/brehmer3.jpg
2) The article states that there is a “half-hearted attempt at the drill hole” of the full-named badges. Again, the attached scan of a “ Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badge shows only minor flashing behind the drill-hole – SO WHAT? Flashing is not unusual on authentic badges! What kind of proof is that?
http://photofile.homestead.com/files/brehmer2.jpg
3) The article states that Gustav Brehmer badges were only marked “GB”. This is a particularly interesting comment since the author of the article has a Brehmer 1938 Kriessieger badge in his catalog with the name spelled out in full, thus negating the assertion that the “GB” mark is the only valid mark. It is also noted that Brehmer made most HJ Kreissieger, Gausieger and Reichsieger badges and that many Brehmer pieces are typically marked "G. BREHMER MARKNEUKIRCHEN ".
It is also curious that the firms of Juncker, Assman, Gebruder Schneider Wien., JMME, Gebruder Wegerhoff Ludenscheid, Richard Simm & Sohn, Schwerin, Rudolf Souval, Rudolf Karneth, Hermann Aurich, et al. were all known to have more than one mark....but this author claims that Gustav Brehmer only has ONE mark. Curious, indeed! Where is his proof?
4) The article claims that upon ”asking collectors if any have had these (“full-named” marked) badges vet acquired the answers have been no.” Obviously the author failed to ask the question of one of the Forum’s long-time collectors who lives in Germany…, because THAT particular collector had, in fact, obtained a full-named Brehmer Flak badge from the widow of a German soldier. How many collectors were asked this question?
In addition, it seems that the article in question has drawn upon scans that have been previously published by a well-known and respected German Dealer who contends that the “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badges are in fact AUTHENTIC.
In summary, it is the OPINION of a number of established members of this forum that, contrary to the assertions in the aforementioned article, there are Original full-named “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badges, and there are Copies of “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” badges, and they look like this:
Other opinions are welcome.
Now...most of us KNOW that there ARE in fact fake versions of the “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” Luft Flak badge...BUT, this article alleges that ALL “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked Flak badges are fake…that the ONLY authentic Gustav Brehmer Flak badges are marked “GB”!!
Well, this was news to me, and after studying the article I came to the conclusion that some of the article’s supporting arguments don't appear legitimate or well-founded. Accordingly, several well respected collectors from this forum were consulted on this issue, and the consensus is that article is…(how can I put this delicately?).. PREPOSTEROUS!!!
In a day-long discussion with a number of knowledgeable forum members, virtually EVERY POINT made in the article was either disputed and/or contradicted:
1) The article claims that “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” badges have “poor detail to the eagle” and a “misformed beak”. To this we would respond with the attached scan of a “ Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badge that clearly shows a well-detailed eagle and a beak is that is NOT misshapen.
http://photofile.homestead.com/files/brehmer3.jpg
2) The article states that there is a “half-hearted attempt at the drill hole” of the full-named badges. Again, the attached scan of a “ Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badge shows only minor flashing behind the drill-hole – SO WHAT? Flashing is not unusual on authentic badges! What kind of proof is that?
http://photofile.homestead.com/files/brehmer2.jpg
3) The article states that Gustav Brehmer badges were only marked “GB”. This is a particularly interesting comment since the author of the article has a Brehmer 1938 Kriessieger badge in his catalog with the name spelled out in full, thus negating the assertion that the “GB” mark is the only valid mark. It is also noted that Brehmer made most HJ Kreissieger, Gausieger and Reichsieger badges and that many Brehmer pieces are typically marked "G. BREHMER MARKNEUKIRCHEN ".
It is also curious that the firms of Juncker, Assman, Gebruder Schneider Wien., JMME, Gebruder Wegerhoff Ludenscheid, Richard Simm & Sohn, Schwerin, Rudolf Souval, Rudolf Karneth, Hermann Aurich, et al. were all known to have more than one mark....but this author claims that Gustav Brehmer only has ONE mark. Curious, indeed! Where is his proof?
4) The article claims that upon ”asking collectors if any have had these (“full-named” marked) badges vet acquired the answers have been no.” Obviously the author failed to ask the question of one of the Forum’s long-time collectors who lives in Germany…, because THAT particular collector had, in fact, obtained a full-named Brehmer Flak badge from the widow of a German soldier. How many collectors were asked this question?
In addition, it seems that the article in question has drawn upon scans that have been previously published by a well-known and respected German Dealer who contends that the “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badges are in fact AUTHENTIC.
In summary, it is the OPINION of a number of established members of this forum that, contrary to the assertions in the aforementioned article, there are Original full-named “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” marked badges, and there are Copies of “Brehmer Markneu Kirchen” badges, and they look like this:
Other opinions are welcome.
:o 
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