Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen with Block Hinge, Attributed RK, Rudolph Karneth.

[rbminis]

I was taking some photos today and felt that I would post an item or two from my collection that I have not posted before.
Here is a solid zinc example that is unmarked but has been attributed to the firm of Rudolph Karneth, RK. This one has the less often seen crimped in block hinge. I can not believe this was a very secure attachment method.
It uses the same catch as the ball hinge that we see more often, a crimped in round wire ? catch. Unfortunately, not all, but most of the frosting has been absorbed on the obverse and some on the reverse.
Ralph.

[big ned]

Hi Ralph,

It's a type 'B' die pattern that has several small differences from the earlier diecast type 'A' they used after the original hollow version was phased out, the most noticeable point between the two being the heavily flawed head of the eagle.

I think it's safe to say that this rear set up was the last type they used as the hardware previously utilised was always made from tombak whereas by this stage of the war materials like that were in extremely short supply so they had to make do with inferior types of metals/alloys.

In this case the hinge is a folded sheet metal type and the wire catch is also a similar material (steel?) rather than the earlier and superior brass alloy which was now in very restricted use for other more important uses. It's a good representative piece of what was the declining fortunes of the reich by this stage of the war.

Regards, Ned.

[rbminis]

Thanks for your synopsis Ned!
Ralph.

[Combat Boots]

Nice late war badge! I see the crude hinge / pin attachment you show in your excellent close up view. Doesn't seem as this would hold up well on a battle uniform. Bob

[rbminis]

Nice late war badge! I see the crude hinge / pin attachment you show in your excellent close up view. Doesn't seem as this would hold up well on a battle uniform. Bob

Thank you Bob!
I believe at this point it was more about efficiency in producing these awards.
Ralph.