Even though it does not look it at first glance, this Gau Badge is most likely the most complicated Gau badge construction wise. Made out of cupal or more accurately- silvered brass, it features two piece hollow construction. Unlike other hollow badges of the era, this one contains a backing material, similar to today's expandable foam that prevents it from caving in during regular wear. That material fills the void between the two halves of the design. Vent holes are cleverly hidden by the hardware that is applied over them.
The overall workmanship on the piece is second to none, there is absolutely no marks where the halves are joined together and judging by the smooth surface around the award number on the verso, the filling performed its job quite well- where the numbers have been hand stamped without disturbing or bending the backing plate.
Care was taken with details- even the particular bend to the top portion of the pin, designed to catch the top loop of the uniform is unique to this badge and not often seen on other designs.
Featuring smoked effect over the entire design, the piece was also sprayed with sealer which can still be seen.
It is my understanding that as the bulk of East Prussia's archives (or whatever was left of those) was taken over by the Russians, if there is a list of recipients that survived, it will most likely be held by Russian Internal Services. As such not really accessible to most collectors but there is always hope that one will surface in the future.
My thanks to those that made this deal possible and allowed me to add this treasure to my collection.
If anyone has any of those badges to share, please add pictures for our enjoyment and benefit of others.
cheers
Matt
The overall workmanship on the piece is second to none, there is absolutely no marks where the halves are joined together and judging by the smooth surface around the award number on the verso, the filling performed its job quite well- where the numbers have been hand stamped without disturbing or bending the backing plate.
Care was taken with details- even the particular bend to the top portion of the pin, designed to catch the top loop of the uniform is unique to this badge and not often seen on other designs.
Featuring smoked effect over the entire design, the piece was also sprayed with sealer which can still be seen.
It is my understanding that as the bulk of East Prussia's archives (or whatever was left of those) was taken over by the Russians, if there is a list of recipients that survived, it will most likely be held by Russian Internal Services. As such not really accessible to most collectors but there is always hope that one will surface in the future.
My thanks to those that made this deal possible and allowed me to add this treasure to my collection.
If anyone has any of those badges to share, please add pictures for our enjoyment and benefit of others.
cheers
Matt
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