Sivler Wound Badge by 30

[Sniper 1987]

Just received this item yesterday, and it looks okay to me. From the tombak showing on the high points, it appears to have been worn. The name scratched into the reverse below the hinge appears to be "F Girod". A bit of research shows the last name "Girod" to be of French or Italian origin. Any opinions appreciated.

Matt

[Sniper 1987]

Reverse.

[Sniper 1987]

Close-up of name.

[Ron P]

It's a good one. Looks to have been cleaned somewhat recently. Regards, Ron.

[Darrell]

It's an original 30, but I'd be somewhat skeptical about the finish. Could be the pictures, but it doesn't look normal to me. Especially on the reverse.

[Niblet]

I agree with darrell,,, finish looks odd to me,,
heres one of mine

[bytown]

I've seen that badge listed somewhere.

Where I don't remember.

It was a lot grungier looking than what is in the photos.

Wayne

[Niblet]

I would bet a dab of acetone would reveal all

[bytown]

I had a think about this badge.

If my memory is not faulty.

I think it's from Lakeside Trader.

It had a beautiful deep dark patina to it.

If it's the same badge it's a shame that it has been dipped, cleaned or whatever.

Wayne

[Sniper 1987]

The finish is original, but I agree that it appears to have been cleaned recently. Most collectors want an item to remain in "as found" condition, but I don't mind one that has been cleaned/preserved. However, I don't agree with refinishing an item to make it look newly issued. Thanks for all of your observations.

Matt

[Darrell]

The finish is original, ...
Matt

What makes you say that?

[Sniper 1987]

I fully understand your reservations since you have not examined the badge in hand. I agree that this badge has been almost completely cleaned of patina, and therefore does not look like a 65+ year old item. However, this is the second tombak SWB by 30 in my collection, and both badges share the same construction/finish characteristics. My conclusion is that the finish is original because I have applied the usual tests when examining any TR badge. Under a 30x jeweler's loupe, the silver plating shows wear consistent with an item that was worn on a uniform, with tombak showing through on various high points and the expected minute dings, scrapes, and scratches. I understand many would not want a cleaned badge in their collections, but I do not exclude such badges from consideration. Just because a badge does not have decades of patina covering the finish does not negate its originality. By the way, I actually prefer TR badges that have not been touched since 1945, so I want everyone to know that I am not a proponent of cleaning or "restoring" TR badges to look like the day they were awarded.

[bytown]

So you were not the one who cleaned it?

Last time I saw it listed on the site it was pretty black.

Wayne

[Darrell]

....... Under a 30x jeweler's loupe, the silver plating shows wear consistent with an item that was worn on a uniform, with tombak showing through on various high points and the expected minute dings, scrapes, and scratches. ....

Well, like you say, it's in your hands, you can see things alot better than me from one or two pictures. The circled places seem to "concern" me alot.

1. The blotchy white "finish" that is around the base of the hinge. This is not consistent with the finish on the rest of the badge. Almost at least like a touch-up.

2. The spot directly under the hinge has worn off almost like it has that "flaked off" appearance that you don't usually see with Tombak or Brass WB's.

3. While the piece referred to in # 2 has worn off or chipped, the two "dings" to the left of it are still filled in by finish. Not something I would think would be present if the finish wore or chipped off in the other location.

If you are happy with it that' the main thing. You are in a better position to determine how it looks.

[Darrell]

So you were not the one who cleaned it?

Last time I saw it listed on the site it was pretty black.

Wayne

Matt, can we ask who you purchased this badge off of?