Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe M.u.k 5

[Adrian]

Would this award be Zinc or Buntmetall?

If you're unsure of a particular badge's base metal, a rough rule of thumb is to look at how the hinge and catch are attached to the badge. If soldered directly to the reverse then it's likely to be tombac. If the hinge or catch has been attached to a base plate or is crimped in place or moulded as part of the badge then it is likely to be zinc.

This was because zinc wasn't the best material to solder to so the catch, for example, was soldered to a base plate giving a larger surface area to adhere to the badge instead of a very small point of contact. Zinc was also easier to form which is why hinges and catches were moulded as part of the badge reverse or attachments crimped in place such as the hinge above.

[DAZZA3483]

Thanks Adrian,very good info that.

P.S.

The wing tip has a little 'ding'..it appears to have been unfortunately dropped at some point in its existence.

Still love the overall package though!