Gold or Bronze SA-Wehrabzeichen?!

[CM Alexander]

Hello guys,

I am embarrassed that I am posing this question...but before this moves along to a good friend I want to make 100% certain.

I have a nice 1st pattern Lauer in gold but I am not as familiar or certain that there even were gold grade 3rd pattern badges. When comparing to my earlier Lauer the finish looks more gold than bronze...but I know how that goes.

So what do you think?!

Thanks again,
Chrys

[Br. James]

I agree with you, Chrys: it looks to me like an SA Military Defense Badge, Gold Grade, though the condition of the finish is poor, IMO.

Br. James

[CM Alexander]

Thanks for the input Br. James...we are on the same page for sure.

[Br. James]

My pleasure, and a blessed Holy Week to you and to all here!

Br. James

[CM Alexander]

Same to you and yours!

My pleasure, and a blessed Holy Week to you and to all here!

Br. James

[Stan]

Chrys,

It has to be a Bronze grade on the basis that Lauer was the only maker of the Gold grade.

Stan

[Br. James]

Hi Stan,

Yours is an interesting response; can you say where this information regarding the prominence of the firm of L. Christian Lauer regarding this generation of sport badge originates?

Many thanks,

Br. James

[CM Alexander]

Yeah I was aware that Lauer was the only maker of the 1st pattern in gold...that's where the confusion came. Is there any definitive info that the gold grade stopped being made (not issued) after the 1st pattern?

I have had several dozens of these REDO badges in bronze and this is not close to the finish. I suppose someone could have messed with it at some point in time though.

Maybe something that needs some more research.

Thanks again guys for the opinions and debate!
Chrys

[Stan]

Br.James/ Chrys,

This information came from two German collectors who specialise in SA-Sports badges.

They are both adamant that awarded Gold grade badges were only produced by Lauer.

I believe this opinion to be true because every time I see a nice low-numbered Gold grade it is always made by Lauer!

Stan