Infanteriesturmabzeichen?

[kvanderstel]

Is there a safe way to clean them?

[Adrian Stevenson]

No, don't clean them. All you can do is a wash with soap and water using a soft tooth brush. Make sure they are dried well afterwards. Do not attempt to polish them.

Cheers, Ade.

[Matt L]

Some that I've seen on the web appear stamped and others cast like this one.

Just to clarify: no originals were cast- real badges are all stamped, so if there's evidence of casting such as little pits in the surface (from trapped air bubbles) of any badge you're looking at, definitely watch out because casting is a way fakes are commonly made.

And Ade's totally right- never, ever mess with the surface of an antique of any type or you could significantly devalue it; age patina is a good thing so don't get caught up in the silly idea that shiny is better

[militarymania]

where is this "4 vein" you are talking about,,,all the leaves that are fully visible have 5???

[Anubis]

There is only 4 vein up on the right leaf.
Here is Don's 4-5 vein to compare:

[fischer]

Just to clarify: no originals were cast- real badges are all stamped, so if there's evidence of casting such as little pits in the surface (from trapped air bubbles) of any badge you're looking at, definitely watch out because casting is a way fakes are commonly made.

And Ade's totally right- never, ever mess with the surface of an antique of any type or you could significantly devalue it; age patina is a good thing so don't get caught up in the silly idea that shiny is better

Assmann produced a late war series of four different IAB's with the mm numbers 1 - 4 on the reverse. These injected molded castings are examples of a cast made badge.

Best Regards, fischer