Black, Silver, and Gold!

[Grady Allen]

Here are three WBs I've been lucky enough to acquire in the last month. First is a generic steel-based 1918 black WB with a decent amount of paint remaining. Next a Condor Legion Silver WB in nickel-silver alloy with a repaired catch (indicating possible use...?). And finally a Third Reich manufactured 1918 Gold WB, not sure what material it's made of but it's extremely light.
What do you guys think? Feel free to post your own badges!

[Hans N]

Hi Grady Allen,

first of all welcome to the forum.

Black one is a honestly worn original.

But the 2 others looks strange but that might be the light that plays tricks but please do post new pics taken in natural day light

[Grady Allen]

I just took these outside. If you notice, the CL badge has green tarnish in the swaz and the rim of the helmet. I'm having trouble posting multiple photos, so regrettably I'll have to make separate posts for the badges.

So how does it look in natural light? I bought this badge from Jeff Clark of NSDAP Militaria.

[Grady Allen]

Here's the Gold. The gilding is worn on the reverse. I purchased this badge and the black WB together along with some other Imperial awards.

[limburgsejager]

The rust on the back of the Gold Wound Badge looks strange to me...
Maybe it's repainted?

I would say the LC is a good one but let's wait for more opinions


Marco

[Mike Kenny]

Hi,

The worn Black Imperial is a really pleasing example and I like the extra heavy duty main pin.

The Silver 1st Pattern 1939, from the second lot of pics, looks like a nicely worn original with repaired catch.

The Gold Imperial I am also not a fan of. There appears to be a defect in the obverse die running from the top of the helmet down to the left sword hilt and the fresh red rust on the reverse is for me a red flag. Is that a casting seam on the hinge block??!!

Regards
Mike

[Feinzink59]

Hello,

I agree with Mike regarding the Gold badge, the swords are far too rounded above the helmet, in my opinion. Even the handles do not seem to give confidence to its origin.

On the other hand, the silbert, seems to me to be correct and rather well made.

François.

[Hans N]

Well i agree with Mike to the fullest and as François mentions the swords are too rounded above the helmet which to me is a big NO - NO!

[Grady Allen]

It was difficult to photograph the gold badge. The rust is a result of how the badge was stored. When I received it all of the badges and awards that came with it were pinned in a cheap shadow box that had allowed humidity and moisture to tarnish or rust some of the awards. I do agree however with the swords being a bit too rounded above the helmet. The hinge block could have been cast and then applied to the badge but the badge itself was definitely stamped. Is it possible that the rounded swords and defect on the helmet could be attributed to a worn out die? IF this is an original badge then going by the hardware, it was made during the Third Reich allowing 20+ years of wear to compromise the details of the die. Just a thought.

And yes, I love my CL badge! The fact that it was worn really attracted me to it, especially since only 1 Silver grade was awarded.

[toot]

wound badges

wasn't silver & gold badges solid only? rely don't know?

[limburgsejager]

wasn't silver & gold badges solid only? rely don't know?

99% of the Black, Silver and Gold WW1 wound badges are hollow.
Some solid pieces do exist.

99% of the Silver and Gold WW2 badges are solid.
WW2 Wound badges in black are hollow.