Summers Breast Eagle

[muddyboots]

I picked this up today and couldn't pass it up for $32 USD. I don't know to much about these so any help would be greatly appreciated. It looks to have been used and may have been exposed to heat of some sort or it may be age but I am not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[muddyboots]

2

[Edelweisse]

Nice eagle...especially for the price. Yes....a little wear but still nice. I had one just like that...gold color worn off.....guess it was the maker or salt water.

[muddyboots]

Nice eagle...especially for the price. Yes....a little wear but still nice. I had one just like that...gold color worn off.....guess it was the maker or salt water.

Thanks and I thought I have seen one just like the one I posted it may have been the same maker and it's guilt was partially worn off as well.

[Norm F]

Same type posted here:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...79#post7791879

Best regards,
---Norm

[muddyboots]

Same type posted here:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...79#post7791879

Best regards,
---Norm

Thank you Norm and I wasn't expecting that it was a possible French made eagle.

[Jean-Claude]

Good summer bird James and you cant beat the price. I agree with Norm : same variation as discussed in his link. As far as I know there are at least 2 variants of this bird (which exists in both gold and silver) The most common type is made of zink and typically shows finish loss like yours. On that variation the catch is flat stock and the lower clasp has a bent tip like yours. The second type (probably earlier version) has a round stock catch, the lower clasp is straight and this version usually holds its finish better because it looks to be made of brass like the attached specimen or the one shown by Valoche in the link

Regards

JC

[muddyboots]

Good summer bird James and you cant beat the price. I agree with Norm : same variation as discussed in his link. As far as I know there are at least 2 variants of this bird (which exists in both gold and silver) The most common type is made of zink and typically shows finish loss like yours. On that variation the catch is flat stock and the lower clasp has a bent tip like yours. The second type (probably earlier version) has a round stock catch, the lower clasp is straight and this version usually holds its finish better because it looks to be made of brass like the attached specimen or the one shown by Valoche in the link

Regards

JC

Thanks JC and the head and certain wear marks across the back have a copper look to them. I have seen other summer eagles that I know for sure were zink and the catches all had a wide base to ensure the attachment. Maybe the French were using a very high quality zink. The other strange thing is the guilt, I assume it was brushed on judging by the brush lines I see in the gold and dark areas. No brush marks on the head which has a copper look. I also wonder if the guilt used has a lead content. I have encountered lead paint that separated and left a lead base when it started chipping, I especially seen it on metal post I was cleaning. I assumed when I bought it that it was zink but the way the catch was attached made me question it. It's a very neat eagle and I just couldn't past it up and then the price came up and it was done. It is very well done and now that I know it is considered French made which I love adding to my collection I am as happy as I can be.

[Norm F]

The other strange thing is the gilt, I assume it was brushed on judging by the brush lines I see in the gold and dark areas. ...

I assumed when I bought it that it was zink but the way the catch was attached made me question it.

The "French-made" Kriegsmarine badges (albeit controversial as to period of production) have a similar gilding and loss over time. Also, they would often skip the base plate under the catch, and none was used for the top hook despite being round-wire and attached to zinc end-on.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Norm F]

A couple more showing that "brushed-on" look to the gilding.

[Norm F]

Group shot (I forget where this was posted before - maybe warrelics forum?). Again shows that typical asymmetrical loss of gilding.

[muddyboots]

Group shot (I forget where this was posted before). Again shows that typical asymmetrical loss of gilding.

Fantastic group Norm and thank you for the comparison pictures.