What is difference between both marks?

[PanzerElite]

the same obverse,
but the one is marked with series number (issued), the other is unmarked (unissued),
but the one is gilt, the other is not gilt.
the the one is marked "GES. GESCH, RZM M1/78", the other is marked "M1 B",

are they time difference? early and not early? tombak or not tombak?

thanks!

[DanCz]

The letter B indicates that the badge is not the original award piece but one bought later on as a replacement for the damaged original award- the pins often broke in wear - or as a second piece. But beware the prefix BM/...

[Br. James]

I agree. Award recipients often wanted to keep their original presentation pieces, together with the award documents which often included the issue numbers from the reverse of the badges, so they would buy a second copy of the badge to use for regular wear. "B" awards were private purchase pieces, for which one had to provide documentation of the original award in order to obtain one. Having said that, "B" pieces were not inferior to the original presentation pieces; in fact, they were often of superior quality since they were made to be purchased for higher amounts than the government or organization paid for the originals. Also, since original awards were kept safely at home (and became "drawer queens"), they are often found today in better condition than the "B" pieces, which were regularly worn.

Cheers,

Br. James