JWSW Variations

[jamest8]

Gentlemen

Two JWSW badges with some variations.

Firstly why the 1997 stamp on one. Was it some sort of 50th anniversary gathering?

Also some other differences: manufacturing blemishes on one and different spinners. Is this just differences between two badges?

Many thanks for your help and comments

James

[A.J. Zawadzki]

Hi James,

Your hunch is correct. 1997 was when the 50th Anniversary of the Jednostek Wojsk Na Srodkowym Wschodzie was marked by the “Zjazdu Weteranow J.W.S.W.” – a gathering of surviving veterans. Apparently badges were marked with this date to commemorate the event. The one and only time I've heard of such a practice. The badges appear to be genuine period ones made in the Middle East. This raises the question of whether surplus badges were issued at the gathering, or if vets who may have brought their badges had them stamped - ?

Both spinners in the pictures you posted are the same. One looks different because it caught the camera flash. If you look closely look you can see the serrated edge, a characteristic of original spinners. As for the small manufacturing defect it’s not unusual with these badges.

Posted below is another example of a dated one.

Regards,
Tony