Albert Schlageter Dusseldorf - 28.5.1933

[Martin Harding]

Albert Schlageter
Dusseldorf - 28.5.1933 Schlageter

The Badge Pictured below to the left hand side is without a doubt a text Book example of an Original quite scarce and desirable Badge. However the example to the right at first glance appears to be a poorly cast copy ...... but is it ? or is it just a Badge that has been in a fire and has been exposed to intense heat. There are a few reasons for my my Fire Theory.....
1) Both Badges weigh exactly the same
2) In hand both are exact same size (the picture is an optical illusion as the second Badge appears to be smaller but is not)
3) The detail flaws don't appear to be because the Badge to the left is a copy but because the Badge has been exposed to intense heat.
4) I have never encountered copies of this particular Badge.

Around the Laurel leaves, Oakleaves & the lettering on first impressions the Badge appears to be an obvious copy..............but is it?

[Martin Harding]

Albert Schlageter
Dusseldorf - 28.5.1933 Schlageter

From the reverse the example to the left appears to be cast fake albiet is it a genuine one that has been exposed to a Burning Inferno.....................................?

[Matthew]

Unless someone deliberately looked to restore this tinnie to its former glory, I would have to disagree with your theory.
Reason for that is rather simple: brass melts at temperatures upwards of 900 Celsius but solder holding the pin plate will become liquid way before the brass will even begin to heat up. Yet it is still attached to the badge.
Temperatures needed to start altering details on a badge like that would almost certainly deform thinner parts of it (pin plate and the in itself) beyond recognition first and foremost. Not something that can be observed on your piece.
On the other hand, it could be a ground found piece- moisture tends to alter and deform brass, it also in some cases gives it the reddish hue.
Then there is also a possibility of this being a reproduction of course, although if you say the size compares with other original- probably least likely theory.

cheers

Matt

[Martin Harding]

Hello Matt, yes I understand what you are saying and although the pin plate appears re attached on reflection I agree with what you say....... on second thoughts I do not think it is damage due to heat. For some stange reason I never thought of the obvious reason for the Badges poor condition i.e that is the Badge is a ground dug/detector find......... hence why it is in relic condtion.
What supports your opinion is the Badge does indeed show Red oxidisation and also behind the pin plate there is also corrosion. This would also exaplin why the reverse of the Badge no longer retains a smooth surface/finish.
Regards Martin

I agree with what you say

[Matthew]

Here's what can be expected on a brass based decoration that has been ground found. As you can see the fine details are being obliterated, the base tends to 'swell up' and with the plating long gone, the brass takes on its dark red, coppery appearance. Cavities are also starting to form.

cheers

Matt

[Martin Harding]

Hello Matt, well I was convinced that the Badge was not a cast copy hence the ground discovery theory has to be the reason for the Badges poor condition.
Non the less from my point of view it is remarkable to discover as a Detector find this particular Badge. In view of this it is amazing that the Badge has survived in resonable condition albeit in a semi relic state.
Regards Martin