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As I was perusing some of the dealers sites I found this and thought it may be of interest to those who may have never seen a badge makers obverse die. This die in conjunction with a reverse die would be used to produce the wreath portion of the Air Gunners Badge. Bob

The Air Gunner’s and Flight Engineer’s badge (German: Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordschützen und Bordmechaniker) was a German military decoration awarded to air gunners, mechanics (flight engineers) or aircrew meteorologists who were members of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) after they completed two months training or had taken part in at least five operational flights. If one was wounded during an operational flight, the badge could be awarded earlier. For Luftwaffe members who were air gunners and mechanics (flight engineers) this badge replaced an earlier separate badge which had been introduced back in 1935. The qualifications for the two badges were the same for recipients.

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Hey all,

Now that I’ve gotten the picture uploading issue resolved, here is yet another piece from the big haul. Having dug into The Awards of the Heer reference book, it seems that the only unmarked crosses made were by Petz and Lorenz. I’ve looked high and low for a maker’s mark and don’t see one. I do notice two things though:

1: There is a green tarnish on the cross. My understanding is that copper tarnishes green, and silver tarnishes black. From what I’ve read, this award was made from zinc and then silver washed. Not sure what to make of this.

2: The pommels on the swords are small (almost identical in width to the grip). I have seen iterations of this award with the small pommels, but I have yet to find a definitive picture of a Petz and Lorenz piece to compare.

Thoughts and wisdom appreciated as always!

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Hi, sorry if this is a silly question but was there a set length or colour for British dispatcher rider helmet laces? I recently bought a new old stock dispatch helmet but it is missing its lace so I plan on tracking down some old stock laces but wanted to know what was most likely used. I have seen flat, round, black, brown, and green laces from pictures but I am not sure what it would have been issued with.
Thanks in advance.
Mark

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As stated before I want to start collecting again. Here’s my first addition to my back to basics collecting. I picked up this gem last week, and I’m a bit excited to collect a few more specimens. I’ve always liked the K98 bayonet for their sleek design, and there practical aspects. This one is a early war example with matching scabbard and blade 1940 dated. The frog is starting to dry rot a titch above the handle area.

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