SA Treffen 'Braunschweig' 1931 event badge 'Tinnie' With Pin Back, 1st Pattern, dated 1931. Approx. 54mm tall, aluminum alloy. The finish shows oxidation and wear. Exc.

One Online forum writes that the only "acceptable" 1st pattern Braunschweig badge are those with recessed lettering on the obverse (front). We disagree with this assessment as there were more than one manufacturer of this badge, using different die sets. With over a hundred different period "tinnies" in our collection and after having viewed dozens of other originals from private collections and other reputable dealers by far the most common type of lettering is raised, with a ratio of 100 / 1, meaning the badge was die struck from the reverse. This was done to insure clear, concise lettering rather than a washed out obverse. We believe that this "collectors" forum is spreading erroneous information and does the collecting community a great disservice.

We encourage collectors to do their own research so that they can gain a clearer understanding the manufacturing techniques and materials involved in producing a metal badge or insignia during the 1930-45 time period, and to make comparisons to other known period badges of different types to gain a fuller understanding of of these items so that they can make a sound decision regarding their purchase. A far more reasonable and balanced discussion of the SA Treffen Braunschweig 1931 rally badge can be found here.