AS Marked Panzerkampfabzeinche

[Element7]

Hi Guys,

Its been a while since I posted anything so I thought I would show you guys this Panzerkampfabzeinche. Its supposed to be a die 2 AS marked badge. Everything is there that's supposed to be when compared to the example in Philippe De Bock's book "The German Panzer Assault Badge" how ever in my opinion the details are a little soft. Is it a good worn original or a post war made with the same die? On the other hand may be my eyes are getting bad and its not at all like the other badge.
As always I appreciate the help!
Thanks
Kirby

[KSH]

Hi Kirby,

I am not an expert on these badges in any way, but I personally have a problem with this one. It reminds me of one of the more recent "AS in triangle, First Pattern, ball hinge, fat catch" fakes. Especially the ugly head of the eagle and the flaw in the right headlight (as seen by the observer) - together with the soft detail as mentioned - makes me think it just MIGHT be one of those fakes.

- Kenneth

[Anubis]

Its a well made fake.

[Element7]

Thanks for the help guys. Does anyone have a good type 2 AS for comparison?
Also is there anyway to tell zinc from other similar materials?

Thanks

Kirby

[Anubis]

.

[KSH]

Thanks for the help guys. Does anyone have a good type 2 AS for comparison?
Also is there anyway to tell zinc from other similar materials?

Thanks

Kirby

Kirby, your badge is not a type 2/2nd pattern AS in triangle based fake IMO, it is a first pattern based fake. Note the difference in the grass pattern between the one you have posted and the type 2 János has posted for you. Well, all metals react slightly different to the air, and zink is no exception here. But with the finish intact on a badge I personally would find it hard telling without any prior knowledge of the kind of badge I was reviewing. If you look at the reverse of the badge posted by János you can see small bubbles in the finish clearly, this is the zink reacting with the air under the finish I believe - this is a characteristic of zink badges. I hope maybe other more experienced members could elaborate on this as I really can't explain any better on telling zink from other materials. When you've seen your share of zink badges you kind of know what you are looking at by experience.

- Kenneth

[Adrian Stevenson]

I think Kenneth has explained it fine.

Cheers, Ade.

[Anubis]

All AS in triangle badges were made in zinc. Only the hollow Adolf Scholze badges were made by tombak which has a similar desgin.

[don_kihotis7]

Hi guys, also the zinc badges and medals like KVKs loose their finish leaving behind a grey piece of metal. The finish on tombak can last longer but when it's off it leaves behind a brown/yellowish color.
Check this photos: 1st one is a zinc material. 2nd is tombak with no finish on it, 3rd a tombak with it's finish.

[Anubis]

Chris sum it up well.
Here are some Tombak PABs you can see the yellow materal under the finish.