Found a rare German American Bund (AV) pin.

[HPL2008]

He looks like Henry Gibson from the 70s TV Program 'Laugh In'.

It is Henry Gibson. (Seen here in a movie still from Blues Brothers in his role as "Head Nazi".)

[Newbie]

So what is everyone's opinion on the pin that originally started this thread? I think it's o.k., but this is an area that I know next to nothing about...

[WaffleMan]

So what is everyone's opinion on the pin that originally started this thread? I think it's o.k., but this is an area that I know next to nothing about...

Take a look at these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV7SaPYUGJ0 <--- Now remember this is in america but it looks exactly like germany which is really scary!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw4_...ctr=1369670411 <--- This is a complete documentary on the German American Bund.

[Scout]

Interesting and rare badge. Thx for posting.

[Newbie]

Thanks Cyrus, great documentary! I am aware of the movement in the U.S. during WW2,I was just asking for more opinions on the originality and authenticity of the badge itself..... with all the really good reproductions out there it can be a very frustrating hobby!

[Jo Rivett]

So what is everyone's opinion on the pin that originally started this thread? I think it's o.k., but this is an area that I know next to nothing about...

Hi Newbie. My opinion on the pin that started this thread is that it is a fake, produced in the 80s in the United Kingdom, hence them always being available from UK dealers. (or on the UK islands) Jamie Cross will have one every few months. And they surface very regularly too. I like the (very rare) stickpin form of this badge, which has small differences as well as a different background pattern, but have never contemplated buying this particular form with a pin back. There was a detailed thread on these a few years, with all the differences between the stickpin version, and these brooch versions shown, but i forget on which forum now. Sometime around 2008-09 if i remember. In any case, for my salt the badge is not original.

[WaffleMan]

Hi Newbie. My opinion on the pin that started this thread is that it is a fake, produced in the 80s in the United Kingdom, hence them always being available from UK dealers. (or on the UK islands) Jamie Cross will have one every few months. And they surface very regularly too. I like the (very rare) stickpin form of this badge, which has small differences as well as a different background pattern, but have never contemplated buying this particular form with a pin back. There was a detailed thread on these a few years, with all the differences between the stickpin version, and these brooch versions shown, but i forget on which forum now. Sometime around 2008-09 if i remember. In any case, for my salt the badge is not original.

I think I'll get a second opinion with sources to back it up thanks.

[helmet2id]

I suppose its the hypocrisy of it that makes is a tough subject as most Americans are proud to have helped defeat the Nazis but lots were avid supporters for a time. Thanks for the welcome its a very friendly community!

NOT "lots", just a vocal minority lunatic fringe.

[Thanatos]

The German population which voted the NSDAP into power in 33 where not all lunatics. National Socialism had it's strong points that's for sure. I used to ask old Germans back in the 80's why did you follow the NSDAP and their response was almost always the same, Because the system worked for us as Germans, we were now employed and our standard of living improved greatly. It gave us the hope in our and our childrens future which we were lacking.
Not the rantings of lunatics I feel and it's quite understandable why peoples in countries other than Germany saw advantages in this system.
Just my view.
All the best fella's
Dave
There are also some interesting WHW tinnies that sold in the US in the 30's posted on the WHW thread if interested and welcome to the forum mate.

[Jo Rivett]

Any news on these yet? (by news i mean usable information, not assumtions.)The thread on WAF never went any further either, just thumbs up all the way and lots of "wows"