ZERSTÖRERKRIEGSABZEICHEN original?

**JeZoCoH** · 10-08-2012, 07:18 PM

I got this one from a friend, do you think its ok?

Thanks!

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-08-2012 07:18 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**n0valyfe** · 10-08-2012, 07:21 PM

Is the gold finish meant to come around to the back? Also some of the gold goes into the water hmm

**StuG III** · 10-08-2012, 07:22 PM

by n0valyfe

Is the gold finish meant to come around to the back?

That happens.

Tom

**Adrian** · 10-08-2012, 10:06 PM

I don't have any problems with it, it looks fine to me.

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 10-09-2012, 08:03 AM

Thats a fine badge,there is no problem with the wash coming around the back,it's a common occurance.

**Adrian** · 10-09-2012, 08:26 AM

The gold colour which is on the wreath and seeps onto the back isn't a wash per se but is applied by a process called fire gilting.
You see it alot on early tombac badges and awards. It is a process which involves making a paste with gold and mercury, applying it to the bages and then heating it to burn off the mercury. All done at high temperatures obviously and leaves a long lasting finish as you can see from the award above. Compare to a late war zinc badge which had a painted on finish.
Because of the cost, time, wartime cutbacks etc, this was discontinued quite early on in the war and a more economical way to finish awards was used.