Metal Cap Eagle/Skull

[Gordon Williamson]

Opinions welcomed on these.







Appears to be some sort of white metal, not aluminium.. RZM mark is there, but no code numbers etc.

[Gordon Williamson]

Skull is lightweight alloy, probably aluminium. The gilt finish on the interior looks more like an anodised finish than any sort of plate. I've seen exactly the same thing on the skull from an Ar Panzer collar tab.

[Gary Wood]

Gordon,
The TK looks ok from the photo I am not over keen on the eagle though,
cheers,
gary

[John]

Metal skull 499/41

Gordon, can you email me. Thanks John /// Citadel8@optonline.net

[Rick Turner]

Hi Gordon

Sorry, I don’t like the eagle either; don’t like the pins, the method of attachment, nor the general appearance (construction) or finish (including detail) of the piece. This is a “Large Feathered” piece that I feel is a reproduction. It also has what I consider a parrot head. The shape is nothing like an original, which also tends to be a problem with the overall piece.

The RZM logo for example, looks like its there, but its really not legible, more of a representation at best.

Here is an image of an original “Large Feathered” or “Large Triangle Feathered” piece on an original hat. Note the shape of the head, even a little handwork. This eagle is zinc alloy base metal with silver wash-



Rick

[John T]

The reverse of the eagle looks cast...not a good sign,--I see this with Eastern European repros also the pins look wrong, I like the skull,

John

[SScollector]

Hello Mr. Williamson,

The eagle is a reproduction and the skull is authentic.
Please E-mail me at: FleetMac11@aol.com
if you would be interested in selling the skull.
The skull is made of CupAl, which is a lamination of
two sheets of metal, (copper back, aluminum front).
This is often referred to as clads.
Fritz Zimmermann cap insignia also came in a three layer CupAl
which was copper/aluminum/copper and could have either a silver plating
or a baked on aluminum finish. Thanks to Bob Hritz for this information.
Hope this helps! Chris

[prorege1]

499/41 skull

Here is a recent find - a 499/41 skull, well worn & showing the basic copper material.

[prorege1]

499/41 reverse

And the reverse...

[SScollector]

Nice one!

[Al P]

Interesting, would a copper based skull turn green with oxidation like an old penny? I have a friend who has a panzer collar tab skull that was almost all green and when he cleaned it it shows signs of being copper or brass. He considers it a repro because of this as he has never heard of copper being used. If I see him this weekend I will see if I can get a few shots to post here.

Al

[SScollector]

Yes, sometimes that green stuff will grow on the copper based insignia
depending on it's environment. Copper is copper and that is how it oxidizes.
I obtained one from a vet that had that stuff growing on it.
Thanks! Chris

[SgtB]

I agree ...

...wholeheartedly with all three of SScollector's replies!

[John T]

That green stuff is known as verdigris and is something I like to see on early pieces, such as SS daggers, belt buckles and insigina with a quality metal content, also...you will not see it on zinc pieces or on steel pieces,


John

[SScollector]

I also forgot to mention that the 499/41 skulls made of the 3-layer CupAl, (copper/aluminum/copper), can have either a thin silver plated finish, or an aluminum finish. I can't tell 100%, which finish the one above has but it looks more like the silver finish to me. Thanks! Chris