Meybauer Paratrooper catch variation?

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello guys,

I thought that this might make for an interesting discussion. I have these two Meybauer Paratrooper Badges and each one has a different style catch. The one on the left has a flat wire 'c' catch on a round catchplate, while the one on the right has the typical round wire 'c' catch on a round catchplate. I was told that the flat wire catch on my one badge is a replacement. That may indeed be the case, but I am really not too sure. Has anyone else ever seen a Meybauer Paratrooper Badge with a flat wire 'c' catch?

Thank you & best regards,
Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

Now here is the reason I started this thread: I saw this recent discussion showing a Meybauer Observer Badge. Here is the link to the discussion:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...bauer+Observer

The badge in this thread has a flat wire 'c' catch so my question is: If a Meybauer Observer Badge can have a flat wire catch, then why can't a Meybauer Paratrooper Badge? All comments welcome.

Thank you,
Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

Here are some views of the two catches:

[Tom Yanacek]

more

[Tom Yanacek]

and more

[Tom Yanacek]

last two views

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Tom,

Here is another shot of your catch, one that you sent me a while ago while I was researching for the Para book.

I believe I see what looks like "new" solder under the flatwire catch. Its harder to see on your recent photos, but the one you sent me previously shows it pretty clear in my opinion. I believe the catchplate is original, but not the flatwire catch. If you look closely at the plate, you can see what looks like fine sanding marks, which is likely from someone cleaning off the old solder in preparation for adding the new catch. So another reason why I believe the flatwire catch on yours is replaced.

Meybauer consistently added the dark finish on top of the hinge and catch, so the fact that your catch and solder don't have any of the factory finish on it supports the notion that it is replaced IMO. Compare this to the other Meybauer you show, the joint of the catch and plate are neat and smooth with all the factory finish on it.

Like anything in our hobby, I don't discount the notion that Meybauer MAY have used a flatwire catch on their Paras (anything is possible), but personally I am skeptical of your example due to the above mentioned issues.

Tom

[Tom Yanacek]

Hi Tom,

I knew that you would respond to this. Thanks for sharing your opinion. Looking at my two badges, do you see any difference in the way the wreaths are finished? To me it seems like the wreath on the badge with the flat wire catch has a plated finish whereas the one with the round wire catch has a wreath that was chemically darkened.

Best regards,
Tom