XA Sportabzeichen silver or Bronze

[jcharlesp]

Hello,
the badge SA is ok, silver or bronze ?
Thank's
Jcharlesp

<a href="http://imgur.com/7I2TGfD"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/7I2TGfD.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="http://imgur.com/U6Vo2GG"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/U6Vo2GG.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="http://imgur.com/36HSaWF"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/36HSaWF.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="http://imgur.com/cwL8xSp"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/cwL8xSp.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" /></a>

[Mike TM]

From these photos, I would say bronze.

regards
Mike

[Br. James]

Hi Jcharlesp,

From what I can see in these photos, I would have to agree with Mike's response that this item began life as a Bronze Grade piece. But it appears that someone has gone to the trouble of applying a light coating of silver paint to this piece, which makes it a forgery IMHO. There is no evidence of any age or usage to this badge, even though it was an awarded piece (per the presence of the issue number on the reverse). And since this piece should be at least 78 years old -- as seen from the reverse inscription that it is a 2nd Issue SA Sport Badge -- there should be some evidence of wear to the finish, at least around the hinge and the catch. But this piece appears to be in pristine condition! Also, the finish on a genuine Silver Grade badge should have at least some degree of evidence of a gloss or original shine to it, but this piece appears to have a frosted finish.

IMO, I would not want this piece for my collection. Hope these remarks are helpful to you.

Br. James