Gahr manufactured SS-Zivilabzeichen

[RaymondG]

Hi

I have been trying to find one of these for about 2-3 years now and I have finally managed to get one.

The pins were manufactured by two companies, namely Hoffstätter and Gahr. Hoffstätter produced most of them, with Gahr producing a small number in silver.

One of the reasons so few were produced was that they were more expensive to buy at the time and that probably was an influencing factor when they applied for one.

This example is unnumbered which is not unusual as the engraving was done at a local level rather than with the supplier.

Anyway, I shall bore you no more and may I introduce my pin.

Raymond

[Gaspare]

No bore!! Thats a rare bird indeed! Wonder what the ratio is on them vs the HB made pieces?
You mention the Gahr pieces were more expensive. Do you have numbers [price$] on the 2?

[RaymondG]

Hi Gaspare

I have done plenty of research on the subject and do have the price options somewhere. I recall if being 1-1.5RM extra for the pin.

As for the ratio, then I know how many Hoffstätter produced, but not how many Gahr did. I estimate that they would have manufactured around 5,000-8,000 but that is speculation and should not be taken as a concrete answer.

I estimate that anywhere between 180,000 - 185,000 pins were manufactured in total.

Raymond

[Rob Johnson]

An absolutely beautiful example, Raymond! I know how long you have been looking for one of these 'Gahr' pins, and I am very happy that you were finally able to add one to your collection!

Congrats my friend :thumbup:


Rob

[RaymondG]

Thanks for your comments, Rob

I still have the warm glow of the new item and it has not left me yet.

Next up has to be a numbered one and so the search will start again soon

Raymond

[ServerAdmin]

The search is often so much more than the piece itself. :) Nice piece!

[Bampa D]

Thus is created another URBAN myth.
"Gahr ZA pins were engraved/numbered at the local level".
Why is it the engraving on ALL I have ,or seen are identical
in style and cut??:huh:
Bampa D.

[RaymondG]

Hi

From memory, I recall seeing an announcement from the time that the cost of engraving would be met at the local level.

Now I have it somewhere, but I could not lay my hands on it easily

Raymond

[Bampa D]

In other words,unsubstantiated BS.:angry:

[RaymondG]

Hi

No, I can prove it if I searched through all my files on the Zivilabzeichen.

I have a mountain of paperwork on the pin and so it could take me some time, but I am pretty sure of my facts on this one.

If I find it out the next time I am in the filing cabinet I will post it up so members have some period evidence.

Raymond

[JarethH]

My example is made by Hoffstatter Bonn & is numbered 182212

[RaymondG]

Hi Jareth

That is a really late number and sadly I do not have that number

Raymond

[JarethH]

Raymond can you help me with value? You can post or PM me I'd appreciate it. Thanks

[Wim Vangossum]

Hi Bampa,

I have a few pictures in my files coming ("borrowed" :rolleyes:) from advanced collections like the one of J. Peppera and the font of the numbering can really have a big difference from straight to loosely writing. Only in case of the Gahr badges of course.

Regards, Wim :)

[Bampa D]

Hello,
I do believe I have seen Johns Gahr pin/s
In a box if I recall.Many years ago at a MAX Show.
Bampa D:wink:

[clevischi]

For sure a nice find! :001_tt1:

[Bob Hritz]

In 45 years, I have never found the GAHR made pin. Congratulations Ray!!!

Bob Hritz

[Luc]

Great pin Raymond !!! :thumbup1:

[Luc]

I had a good Ciney show this weekend.. I was lucky to find something you can't find in years.. "TWO" ss membership pins made by Otto Gahr.

http://www.military.be/gahrpins.jpg

[Wim Vangossum]

Am I to suspicious or see I really differences? Normally a Gahr pin has a very thick outer board and a remarkeble thinner inner circle. And the sig runes looking not as sharp lined as pictured in my files? :confused1:

Regards, Wim :)

[Luc]

Wim

thanks for your reaction.
It is indeed very strange, when I look at my picture it seems that you are correct. When I see to the two pins in my hands, they have both a thicker outer board and a smaller inner board. The ss runes are very nice lined.
I also compared yesterdayevening with a numbered one, that I know in a famous collection in Belgium and it was all the same, except .. no number.

[RaymondG]

Am I to suspicious or see I really differences? Normally a Gahr pin has a very thick outer board and a remarkeble thinner inner circle. And the sig runes looking not as sharp lined as pictured in my files? :confused1:

Regards, Wim :)

Hi

It does look like that from the photograph which has me scratching my head a little. The runes does look a little more rounder and not as sharp as the one I posted originally.

Raymond

[Gaspare]

here is a B&W shot from the Gahr silversmith book:

[Wim Vangossum]

Cool! Thanks for showing this, Gaspare. :w00t:

Regards, Wim