OK, so i’m about to take the plunge into adding some WB’s to my collection and I figure to play it safe and start with black before venturing to silver and then maybe one day gold (depending on the wifes reaction) :shok_yikes:

After a couple of days of research and browsing many dealer websites I’ve narrowed my selection down to these 2 below…

#1 is I believe an earlier piece (being brass in manufacture) but it is unmarked. EUR40.
Attachment 144729
Attachment 144728

#2 is steel but it is marked L/56 (i’m trusting the dealer here as the MM isn’t visible in the photo) EUR45
Attachment 144727
Attachment 144730

So the question is… do I go for the supposedly higher quality brass version or the later steel (but MM’d) version? There is only EUR5 difference between the 2 and on the one hand I like the ‘newer’ look of the steel one but I also like the look of the brass peeking through in the chipped areas of the brass one.

From what i’ve learnt over the last few days they both look original but of course if anyone has any doubts please raise them. I notice the pin looks a little short on the brass badge and a little long on the steel badge but I don’t know if this should raise any alarm bells?

What do you think guys?

Click to enlarge the picture