Unknown maker

[colin davie]

Can someone give me the basics of how an "unknown Maker" badge is determined? Sounds a bit sinister like the smoking man from the x-files
Would do my homework myself but "unknown" search throws up 500+ threads and "maker" search throws up 500+ threads . Don't really want to wade thru a squillion threads to finally find the one where this maker was recognised. Perhaps if someone knows the thread they can just give me the link.
It would be appreciated
Cheers
C.

[Marc Garlasco]

Colin,

If there is no maker mark then the maker is unknown. If the pin-hinge-catch or other aspects all come together to match a known maker, but it has no mark, well then you have a known unknown maker. Make sense?
Marc

[Frank Heukemes]

In connection with Luftwaffe badges, we like to think there is just ONE "unknown maker". It is not hard to identify his badges since eagle and wreath designs are unique. The eagle is close to GWL´s but still different enough.

Here is a typical Tombak badge from this maker:

[Frank Heukemes]

rv

[Frank Heukemes]

and a typical zinc pilot of that maker. One of the main differences are the individually cut out wingtips on the Tombak examples and the saw-in rough wing tip cutouts on the zinc examples.

[Frank Heukemes]

..

[J Temple-West]

Well, how's about this for a probable clue to the 'unknown maker'.

The well known eagle of the 'unknown maker' on, what appears to be, an original 'Assmann' wreath... Correct reverse set-up, rivets etc look good for an
Assmann Zincer..
The maker revealed, collaboration between makers, or just a clever fake?
And before anyone shouts 'Dipped wreath'.. Late zinc assmanns tend to have a more pronounced dip than their early types..

The plot thickens..

[J Temple-West]

Reverse....

[colin davie]

.

[colin davie]

Thanks Frank, I have seen that type of zinc eagle quite a few times.
Thanks again, I will study.
Colin

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear John,

Very interesting! I assume from those pics you do not own it?

[J Temple-West]

No, Frank, not mine.. @ €1150, I would be a little hesitant getting it purely for research purposes.. <O</O

Sure is intriguing, and poses a lot more questions. I'll see if I can get some weights & measurements..