Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze (Karl Wurster, Markneukirchen - KWM) in Buntmetall

[PaulW]

Hi, adding this one to my collection, hope you like it!

Best regards, Paul

[War Medals]

I took a quick look in my data base of real and fake PABs. I could not find and exact match in either. I give it a 50 % change of being real. 1st, many hollow PAB pins are square at the pin end not sharpened as is yours. I like how the badge looks from the front, the color though looks a little to dark in the crevices, trying to make badge look older than it really is. The back has not a lot of detail in the stamping, could be a red flag. I am by far no expert on these but would be a little cautious. The price on these PAB is high so you can't really take a chance.


John

[rbminis]

A good original Wurster PAB.
Congrats!
Ralph.

[PaulW]

I took a quick look in my data base of real and fake PABs. I could not find and exact match in either. I give it a 50 % change of being real. 1st, many hollow PAB pins are square at the pin end not sharpened as is yours. I like how the badge looks from the front, the color though looks a little to dark in the crevices, trying to make badge look older than it really is. The back has not a lot of detail in the stamping, could be a red flag. I am by far no expert on these but would be a little cautious. The price on these PAB is high so you can't really take a chance.

John

Thanks John, totally get the caution aspect, I try to be!

I checked the PAB database on War Relics and the Wurster shown as an example has the sharpened end like the one above:-

If any member wishes to contribute to the PAB data base.

Karl Wurster, Hollow Buntmetal, with Wrap Around Sheet Metal Hinge and Flat plate Catch.


Plus there is a thread on a certain 'other Forum' dedicated to Wurster PAB's and every example shown has a pointed pin. Also checked Giel's website (has a good reputation for German awards I think?), again all Wursters shown have pointed pins. However the "O. Schickle" tombak PAB's that look similar all have non-pointed pins, is it possible that it is "O. Schickle" badges you have looked at?

Also, as I understand it, there are Die related differences between Wurster PAB's with differences in the grass design denoting earlier and later badges (i.e I suppose, worn out Dies being replaced with new ones?).

I'm happy with the badge but do appreciate you taking a look, and rightly urging caution.

Best regards, Paul

[PaulW]

A good original Wurster PAB.
Congrats!
Ralph.

Thank-you Ralph, glad you like it and appreciate you taking a look.


(FYI - In case anyone did not spot the watermark in the pictures, this is from the German dealer "Militaria Berlin".)

[War Medals]

Glad to hear that your badge is a good one. Ralph is the expert on these PAB's.
I still have not come across one in my area. The hunt goes on.

John

[MAP]

A great looking example. Very nice pick up.

I've stop adding to my PAB collection. But looking at this gets me thinking it might be time to start again.

[HOWitzer]

Beautiful original warhorse. Can’t go wrong with a Wurster! Congrats!