Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch FLL 43

[Skalski]

Hello all
I have a question about my badge.
FLL's Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch badge was often unmarked, mine has the mark, does that mean it is a rarer version?
I also read this thread: Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch/Mine sweeper badge
Thanks in advance for all answers

[Skalski]

If anyone has any information, feel free to write.
Regards
Stan

[rbminis]

IMO, it is either a total fake, or an original unmarked badge, with added fake markings.
Attributed FLL minesweeper badges are always unmarked, according to Norm in the thread you linked.
Here is a PAB, with original FLL markings, notice the fonts are different.
Ralph.

[Skalski]

Thank you for your answer

[Norm F]

That badge is fascinating! It looks to me like a legitimate example of the FLL Minesweeper in zinc? The first I've seen, but now we have to look out for more.

Best regards,
---Norm

[GlennAgain]

Notice also that the markings are impressed/stamped into the metal, as opposed to the letters being raised as seen on Ralph's example...
-Glenn-

[Norm F]

Yes, the punched in FLL mark (as opposed to the mark in relief) is seen on the "early" variant of FLL CA badge as seen here. The dilemma is that Staegemeir's "FLL" fake Blockade Runner uses the same mark, possibly even from access to the original tool. That mark on the fake has some flaws in the upper left circles but, unfortunately, that area on the MS mark is faded out, so we're unable to really tell anything about originality from the mark alone.

We have to judge the badge on other features. Aside from the general crudeness of the obverse detail, there are no obvious red flags on first look. But the FLL CA badge often shows soft detail on some examples, likely from a late war casting technique, so we can't rule out a casting method here as well.

The badge is a novelty and clearly requires more study, but it's quite interesting.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Norm F]

I must say, the more I stare at it, lightened up on Photoshop, the more I like it. There seems to be some genuine aging to the layers of remaining finish and exposed zinc highlights.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Norm F]

And just look at that reverse finish compared with the FLL CA variant. They're a darn good match, I think.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Skalski]

Thanks for your research :-)