Ostmedaille real?

[Adrian]

The bubbling is normally a trait of zinc badges......

[Woolgar]

The bubbling is normally a trait of zinc badges......

Indeed it is

Nick

[Stewy S]

The bubbling is normally a trait of zinc badges......

I know Ade,but zinkers are usually darker & not as shiney. I may be wrong about the buntmetal on the helmet,it may be the pics. "65's" did come in buntmetal. But as you say zinc is well known for it's bubbling. Stewy

[Glenn66]

I don't have any reference but i'm sure i've read that these were only manufactured in zinc. Stewy can you direct me to any info regarding the tombak medals?

[Woolgar]

They were also made in Buntmetal Glenn

Nick

[Adrian]

Yes, buntmetal and zinc were both used although zinc is by far and away the most common material to find.
Zinc is a funny material. I think the finish relates to the actual quality of the base metal beneath. Poor quality zinc soaks up the finish like a sponge and better quality zinc not so much which accounts for the wide variations in finish found on zinc badges/medals. Couple that with storage conditions, handling, etc and you can see why some are found in much better condition than others. Manufacturing techniques also play a part too. Some coated their medals with a clear lacquer which keeps atmospheric conditions at bay and thus helps preserve finishes. Even the quality of the ingredients used in the finish will play a part.

[Woolgar]

Here is an interesting description

Eastern Front Medal

Nick

[Glenn66]

So both of mine must be buntmetal then, no surface bubbles on either of them!



I've only got an image of the Edward & Son (51).

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Glenn, that is Buntmetal.

Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian]

So both of mine must be buntmetal then, no surface bubbles on either of them!
I've only got an image of the Edward & Son (51).

Yep, that one is buntmetal.