Gau-Ehrenzeichen Danzig

[3 DSK]

I was asked to start a new thread about this award and here it is. All opinions are most welcome. My main field are items connected with the Polish 2nd corps in WW2. So by this, the word is yours

[3 DSK]

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[Stan]

Gau Danzig Badge

In my opinion the hardware looks just as it should but the "Danzig" shield on the front appears different to mine in that the two crosses appear to stand proud of the shield whereas on mine they are level with the shield and have a border. The same applies to the crown.

Stan

[Stan]

Gau Danzig Badge

Reverse of mine (which is similar to yours).

Stan

[Richard]

Sure looks like 2 sets of obverse dies. There seems to be more detail in the leaves, ribbon and acorns of the first one posted. Stan, what are the 2 objects or abberations that appear at the 1 O'clock postion of the rear of your badge?
Richard V

[Stan]

Gau Danzig Badge

Richard,

Those blemishes are indentations which have been filled in and one can only speculate the reason why. My theory is that the "925" and "M.ST&S" were stamped in the wrong place and were ground out, filled in and moved to the usual place at the base. However, there also appears to be another blemish next to the maker's mark...

Stan

[WARLORD]

"Sure looks like 2 sets of obverse dies". I think both badges are from the same die.

[Richard]

Looking through some old threads, I found this one and have an interest in knowing why Warlord thinks the same die created both of these badges? On the first the crown and crosses are in relief, on the second the crown and crosses are flush with the shield. Additionally the trefoil on the crowns have an entirely different size in relation to the overall crown with the first badge pictured having the trefoil not touching the other two knobs on either side. The crown is much finer and more "delicate" on the first badge but much more robust on the second. The devices on the first shield look struck while they look more engraved on the second. The crosses are more of an Iron Cross shape on the second badge but have flared tips on the first. There is no way these were from the same die unless the second badge has had significant alteration to the badge after production.

If you look at the balance of the badges they certainly look like they might be from the same die but the second shows much more detail in the wreath. There also appears to be quite a difference in the acorn at about the 3:30 position. I'd be interested in additonal thoughts and discussion on these badges.
Richard V

[WARLORD]

In responce to your question wht I thought both badges were produced from the same die. Well they were, the difference is in the second piece, this had been defaced and profetionaly re engraved. The shield and crown emblem have been reworked. This is evident by the swastika, this has been lowered. If you compare the two badges side by side, this is very obvious.

[Richard]

Thanks for the answer. This makes sense. The differences that I was seeing were in the shield where you are indicating it was defaced and then re-engraved. One has to wonder why this was necessary since there is nothing "evil" to the shield that would prompt someone to intentionally deface it. Wonder if it was damaged at one time or another. I 've also notice on original presentation pieces I have viewed that the crown appears solid but in the zinc pieces, the crown appears as an outline. Any thoughts on this? Thanks for the input. Always interesting to learn.
Richard V