Aluminum Cap Badge Question

[John Bart]

Hi All,
Please take a look at these shots of this gilted/aluminum cap badge.
I'm curious as to what everyone thinks on this. This thing is as "minty"
as minty gets. It looks to be unissued, but it also looks like it was made yesterday. What's the consensus? Is it a OR a .
Any and all comments would be greatly welcomed. Also what rank/branch would this be?
Thanks,
John..................................

[John Bart]

Rzm M1/44

[John Bart]

Closer in...............

[Robin Lumsden]

Matt.

They're getting really good at these NSDAP cap eagles.

If it's aluminium, it should be plated in copper with a POLISHED gold plating on top of that. If that's how it's made, then .

If it's aluminium without the copper plating, but just a matt gold wash (like paint) then I would give it a .

Regards,

Robin.

[John Bart]

Matt.

They're getting really good at these NSDAP cap eagles.

If it's aluminium, it should be plated in copper with a POLISHED gold plating on top of that. If that's how it's made, then .

If it's aluminium without the copper plating, but just a matt gold wash (like paint) then I would give it a .

Regards,

Robin.

Robin,

Thanks for your prompt reply. The finish does look to be polished gold, as it has a "bright sheen" to it (hard to show in pics). The finish doesn't at all have the look of paint. A "matt" finish as I understand has somewhat of a dull flat tone. This piece is smooth & shiny.
But how can you determine if it's copper plated? Is there a test that could be done using chemicals? I highly value your opinion.
Thanks,................ John

[Robin Lumsden]

John.

You can normally see traces of the copper though the gilt finish - if there's any wear at all on the piece.

On worn gilded aluminum pieces, you'll always see a copper plating underneath - part of the manufacturing process as gold plating does not adhere properly to bare aluminium. You'll also get copper plating under the silver in silvered aluminium badges.

You can usually see it best along the edge. It's like three layers - aluminium/copper/gold.

N.B. This 'copper' stuff only relates to aluminium badges.

Cheers.

Robin