UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Medals & Badges of the Third Reich Forum Luftwaffe Observers Badge Is it Good?

Hi Everyone i was wondering if any one out their could have a look at my newest purchase.
iI won it on a auction by lockdales in the U.K, The description was German Luftwaffe Observers badge, maker marked in fitted correct case.
Well it turned up yesterday, i cant find any makers marks etc on the thing, does it mean ive been had?
thanks in advance for any information recieved
Cameron.

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I can't tell if the case has a dimpled surface or a lattice surface. Either way it is for a Pilot / Observer badge.

I do not recall having seen a hinge quite like that. Could be a replaced hinge or just something I have not seen.

I see no maker mark. I see no dark finish to the eagle.

--dj--Joe

Hi Cameron,

Welcome to the forum. I can’t help with this specific piece as I do not collect combat awards etc. However, one piece of advice I can offer is to be very wary of auction houses in the UK. A vast majority of the pieces that they offer are fakes I’m afraid. You would be better off with trying the European ones which tend to have better quality items. However, even then you need to know your stuff as they can also offer dodgy pieces at times.
Don

Hi dj Joe, thanks for your reply, from what you are saying, you don't think its genuine then?, i am fairly new to collecting and i think i still have a lot to learn, thats why i joined this forum tio get advice from people with more experience than myself.
Thanks for you imput. Cameron

Hi Don, Thanks for your reply, ill bear it in mind and possibly use dealers instead, i thought i was going to be able to pick up some bargains, but that may have been optimistic,thanks again, Cameron

Hi Cameron,

You can indeed occasionally find bargains at auction, but to do so you will need some experience in the items that you are after. Don’t despair though, it will come in time. When choosing dealers, make sure that you use ones with a good returns policy (ideally one that takes returns without giving any reason). That way you can get advice on any purchases here (or elsewhere) & if necessary, you can then return it.

It’s a great hobby & after almost 30 years of collecting I’m still learning. Keep with it & you will find some great friends & a collection of some wonderfully historical items.

Don

Cameron,
Tell us what you are interested in collecting. Starting out it may be a good idea to specialize. Makes it easier to research and study the good and the bad.
I have been collecting for over 50 years. Sigh. Still learning.

--dj--Joe

I'm also of the opinion the hinge has been replaced...and, the rivets could have been messed with as well.

Better photo's of both rivets would be needed for confirmation.

Hi Don, thanks for your reply, yes i am starting to try and find dealers with a good returns policy and will use them going forwards, Cheers Cameron

Hi dj Joe, sorry abut the late responce ive been on long 12 hour afternoons and havent had much time to do any hobby related stuff,
in responce to your question, i really havent got any preference in my collection i seem to get what ever takes my fancy at the time, ive got some medals and armbands and a few flags and i like stickpins and party badges and such like
but ive been trying to get sets of things like citations, packets of issue, and or cases.

so i suppose im gradually getting sets of medals etc
But id really love to collect daggers and im going to start saving up to get one, but as you know its probably the most expensive branch of third reich militaria

Hi Fisher, thanks for your reply , ive tried to tack some more photos of the rivets, but its hard to get the camera to focus so close, but here goes, Cheers Cameron