Prices are up!

 

Prices have gone up for Coburg Badges especially the second pattern ones. See an early post from June that was sold for €7400, and in this case was sold for €8600 from the Dan Tarkington collection at a German Auction house. Won't take long until they hit the €10k mark in a few years time. Note that €8600 + 25% commission = €10,750 buyer's fee.

Coburg Anniversary Plaque

 

A Coburg Anniversary plaque showing a black wooden plaque with two brass plates attached to obverse, larger plate features cross with eagle overlay clutching wreath with impression "MIT HITLER IN COBURG 1922 - 1932" and sword on top. Attached from reverse by threaded nuts. Smaller plate with dedication "ERINNERUNGS-KRIEGS-KREISTAG DER NSDAP. COBURG, 17.-19. Okt. 1941" attached from obverse via pins. Reverse with loop and bracket attachment for wall mount. Sold on a German Auction house for 3,500 euros plus 25% commission.

Record hammer price at Auction

 

Sold in a German auction house in June 2021 for €7400, or when including commission, this equates to €7400 + 25% = €9250 or USD11,254. Prices for these badges have gone up even for second patterns.

Another set offered on the market

 

 

This was a set offered on the market a while back which came with a set of three mini-stickpins. It is interesting to note that of the three stickpins, one was been marked M1/52 for Deschler and Sohn, München. The rest were unmarked. The badge is believed to be original. These stickpins have only surfaced in recent years, and very little is known about its authenticity.

Another Coburg Mini-stickpin

 

 

Another Coburg mini-stickpin surfaces from a German dealer. Genuine or not, no one knows. These have started to surface only the last 2 years with at least 8 being recorded sold in the market.

Coburg Anniversary Plaque

Photos of a Coburg Anniversary plaque. The left piece was recently acquired. It surfaced in 2018 in a auction, and was again put up for auction in 2020. These pieces were very highly detailed with a three dimensional relief. The one on the right is mounted onto a wooden base that measures 17.5cm x 11.8cm and with the manufacturer’s name, Lauer Nürnberg stamped on the bottom. Both from the author’s collection.

Coburg Mini Stickpin

Coburg Mini Stickpin - This was offered for sale at an American auction house. The ending hammer price was USD151.00 +10% auctioneer's fee. The stickpin shows a supposed RZM M1/52 marking for Deschler and Sohne, although the condition of this pin seems to be extremely poor. It is also important to note that the M1/52 marking has never appeared on any Coburg badge or related artefacts. There are also no period documentation that the Deschler firm produced these pieces. The company was based in Munich, by Gustav Deschler who founded the company in 1825, with the factory sited at Wirthstrasse 9 in Munich that was completely destroyed by allied bombing in 1945. It must be stressed that there is no period documentation about who produced these Coburg badges or stickpins.

Coburg Grouping on sale

Coburg Group currently being sold on the Internet by an American based dealer.

Coburg Anniversary Poster

Poster commemorating the Coburg event for 1941.

Mit Hitler in Coburg Poster

 
Unknown Mit Hitler in Coburg Poster

Koburg Deutschland Erwache Standard

Period photograph of the Deutschland Erwache standard. The Deutschland Erwache (Germany Awake) Standards were first introduced on January 28, 1923. Note the early style writing from the first letter "K" of "Koburg"-Standarte compared with the spelling of the "Coburg-Abzeichen". Credit: Tobau/WAF
 

Koburg Deutschland Erwache Standard in Flag Room

Period photograph of "Adolf-Hitler-Haus" flag room with the Koburg DE on display. Building said to be "Standortquartier Adolf Hitlers" in October 1922. The house of Otto Gahr was commissioned by Hitler to make these coveted Deutschland Erwache Standards. Credit: OFW/WAF
 

Illustrierter Beobachter (Illustrated Observer) for Ortsgruppe Coburg

 

 
Illustrierter Beobachter was an illustrated propaganda magazine which the German Nazi Party published. It was in publication during the period from 1926 to 1945 and the publishing house was based in Munich. This hardcover binder is believed to be used for magazines related to the NSDAP group in Coburg, or known as the Nazi Party Branch Office (Ortsgruppe Coburg). This binder seems to be well worn with a spine that has been opened many times. It has a nice patinated reinforced metal corners, and the front and back covers have separate metal studs although it is not known what the purpose was. Research is still being done on this recently acquired item that came directly from Coburg. If you have a similar binder from Coburg, get in touch with us.

Grouping of the Year?

It is of extreme rarity that you see a group being attributed to a Coburg Badge bearer. This group has been offered on the market by a German dealer, from the estate of Nikolaus Hofmann. Research showed that he was born in 18 January 1900 from Upper Franconia in the rural town of Michelau (today a municipality in the district of Lichtenfels in Bavaria in Germany). Nikolaus had served for 18 years during the First World War in the 7th Infantry Regiment. When war broke out again, he joined the Nazi Party, being assigned to 1.Komp.Pi.-Btl.231 (1st Company, 231 Battalion) and after being injured was re-assigned to Pi.188, and finally discharged from service on 23 August 1940 due to his contacts in the Nazi Party and illness. Included in this grouping include badges such as the first pattern Coburg Badge (it has a replaced pin), a large Golden Party Badge with the number 95657, the Gauehrenzeichen 1923 in 800 silver, an NSDAP Long Service Award in Bronze, the Commemorative / Festival Badge for 1933 in memory of 9 November 1923, a War Merit Cross 2nd Class 1939 without Swords, a Black Wound Badge, Honor Cross for veterans, a Saar Rally Badge, a Luipold Cross, a Sleeve Triangle for the South Bayren of Ostmark, a Hitler Jugend Badge in Cloth and many other documents. In particular, this group also came with two NSDAP 1937 Coburg commemorative plates each in the original box, showing the front written with Gautreffen der Altern Garde der Bayerischen Ostmark in Coburg 1937, indicating a recognition of being an Old Guard of the Nazi Party. The plates were made by the manufacturer Roesler and comes with the original strings for mounting. Could this be the holy grail of all Coburg Groupings? Uber Rare!

A Rare Set of Coburg Badge and Stick-Pin

A rare set of first pattern Coburg Badge, together with a miniature stickpin has been offered on the market by a British dealer. Along with it comes with a period press release photograph of the 10th anniversary celebratory images. It is rare to see such a set being sold together, although unlikely it could still have been put together (or not). Nonetheless, nice to see more of these badges surfacing and being appreciated. It could be likely that the set is the same one (with a different postcard) in the post made in December 2017.

A Missed Opportunity

 
Rarely a die-hard collector ever leaves his PC. The die-hard collector faithfully trawls through the shops and flea markets every day just to search for pieces to add to his collection. A Coburg Badge and other pieces were sold recently in March 2019 in an auction house, which the Blood Order, Coburg Badge and the Golden Party Badge were advertised as post-war (meaning all 3 pieces were believed by the auction house to be reproductions). The Blood Order certainly would be a reproduction, but the Coburg Badge itself was real. In the end, the entire lot was sold for about US$4,000, and if you add a 25% commission plus other associated fees, a circa US$4250 lot with a 2nd pattern genuine Coburg Badge would be a steal. Also in March 2019, a german dealer sold the 2nd pattern Coburg Badge for 10,000 euros (USD$11,250), you'll realise that this lot could have been sold for far much more. As they say in the collecting world, you snooze, you lose!

Buyer Beware: Learning about the Repros

As the Coburg Badge becomes more recognised within the collector community, inevitably more reproductions will surface in the collectors' market. Some reproductions are low quality ones such as the above which through properly learning, can help genuine collectors distinguish the good from the bad. Certainly this blog will not reveal all the features, as otherwise the bad guys will learn and improve. However, at a quick glance, we can easily see that some details are just wrong. One thing to remember is that a badge can have crisp detail but yet having sharp details does not necessarily mean it is a good badge. Likewise, poor detail through corrosion or poor storage can cause features to deteriorate. For the above badge, it was sold as a reproduction, so no harm was done. Can you identify the poor features shown in the above badge? One clue is the blob of metal above the T in the "MIT" - it shouldn't be there... Part of the fun (and knowledge) is to study the badge, as much as its history behind it.

Buyer Beware - Reproduction Coburg Badges

 
Collecting Coburg Badges can be a minefield to inexperienced collectors, but through studying photographs and handling real pieces, the details in fakes appear more obvious. The image above shows a series of photographs containing verified reproductions, which have been discussed by other collectors and on certain forums. While some of the above fakes are much easier to tell, there are more dangerous pieces that have finer details being replicated. The Coburg Badge website offers owners and buyers advice before making their purchase. In time to come, other Coburg-related items will also be copied, including stickpins, certificates, boxes, plates and so on. Remember as the saying goes, buy the badge and not the story.

Mit Hitler in Coburg Commemorative Plaque

 
This plaque was issued in 1942 to commemorate the Mit Hitler in Coburg event. These plaques would have been given during the event to possibly dignitaries. The 1942 plaque was made out of terracotta and a few survived. This particular piece surfaced at one of the American collector fairs in September 2018 and even more unusual was that it came with its original cardboard box and the card. Image credit: Gary B. / WAF

A Debate Surrounding the Coburg Badge

   
One of the Coburg Badges being debated in the collector's world today is this badge pictured above. It is believed that the badge above belongs to C. Alisby. It is rumoured that it belonged to Martin Bormann who was a prominent official in Nazi Germany as head of the Nazi Party Chancellery. He gained immense power by using his position as Adolf Hitler's private secretary to control the flow of information and access to Hitler. He had final approval over civil service appointments, reviewed and approved legislation, and by 1943 had de facto control over all domestic matters. In 1927, Bormann joined the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP). His membership number was 60,508. He joined the Schutzstaffel (SS) on 1 January 1937 with number 278,267. By special order of Heinrich Himmler in 1938, Bormann was granted SS number 555 to reflect his Alter Kämpfer (Old Fighter) status. No one really knows more about this badge except the fact that some collectors think that two have been specially made but only the above is known to exist. Looking at the close up photographs being produced, some of the details do not conform to the standard design as seen on a textbook Coburg Badge. So whether this is a genuine piece (a private purchase or a prestigious honour award) or a post-war fantasy piece, no one really knows. Stick to a standard Coburg Badge and you'll be alright. Image credit: WAF

Coburg Badges with Provenance

  
Provenance - What is it? In the collecting world, the term "Provenance" is sometimes used to widely describe a record of ownership of the badge (or item), and used as a guide to authenticity or quality. A badge that has provenance, attributed to a high ranking official or a well known figure, can fetch a higher amount and has higher desirability. Such attribution can sometimes come in the form of a signed document by a vet, a family member, through photographs or any other evidence. Proving the autheticity of the attribution is also sometimes difficult and can be faked. The two Coburg badges have some sort of attribution, herein the one on the left is attributed to Karl Schegk, with provenance coming from the Brown House which was the Headquarters of the National Socialist German Workers' Party. The badge on the left does not have any provenance per se, but has been attributed to Ludwig Schmied. The bottom line is that all Coburg badges are not numbered and therefore cannot be traced back to the recepient, so when buying the badges, think whether you need that level of provenance or attribution, and if that source can be trusted.

Martin Mutschmann

Martin Mutschmann (9 March 1879 – 14 February 1947) was the Nazi Regional Leader (Gauleiter) of the state of Saxony (Gau Saxony) during the time of the Third Reich. Mutschmann was nominated Gauleiter of Saxony in 1925. He maintained this position until the end of World War II. Generally his political activity concentrated on Saxony rather than on Germany as a whole. Mutschmann was passionately interested in the preservation of Saxon arts and crafts. Mutschmann was sentenced to death in Moscow and shot on February 14, 1947.

Hans Zöberlein

In 1922/1923 SA-Brigadeführer Hans Zöberlein led a Hundertschaft in the Munich SA. In 1923, and again from 1925 to January 1927 he led the Sektion Au-Giesing of the local NSDAP in Munich. From December 1926 to January 1928 he was the Führer of the Sturm 2 (later renumbered Sturm V) of the Munich SA-Standarte. In early January 1928 Zöberlein succeeded Georg Seidenschwang as Führer of the SA-Standarte I in Munich, a command he retained into 1930 (he held command even when the Munich SA was divided and a second Standarte established in early 1929, under the overall command of the new SA-Brigadeführer I Wilhelm Helfer). In 1931 and 1932 he served in the Oberste SA-Führung heading Abteilungen Ib and IIb. More information regarding his intense political activity during the period can be found in the book “Die Münchner NSDAP 1925-1933” by Mathias Rösch. Credit: Ignacio, Axis History

Coburg Badge Mini Stickpin - Close-up Images

These close-up images come from a collector (Gary) of which the photographs show an extremely well detailed rendering of the Coburg Badge being miniaturised as a stickpin.

The photographs above from collector Hakan shows the reverse and comparing the mini stickpin with the 1933 and 1929 Reichsparteitag badges to scale. Unfortunately Hakan has now sold his stickpin. These change hands very quickly. Also the stickpin is unmarked and the knurling effect on the pin has been skillfully made.

The above stickpin was sold a while ago by an Canadian dealer of which the full frontal view shows the cut-out. It is believed that the cut-out was done manually, similar to the full-sized badge, henceforth you will notice that the outline of the cut-out will not be the same for every badge.

A UK-based collector has displayed his miniature badge along-side with the Coburger Abzeichen (the Coburg Badge) with the background showing a commemorative postcard. We have also been lucky to acquire such a postcard. Paper-based items related to Coburg have been rare.

A larger closeup images of the Coburg stickpin taken by a UK-based collector, Jon that once again shows the crisp details of the stickpin. Reproductions of these stickpins are known to exist, so be very careful. They are not difficult to fake but by studying the details well, you will be able to tell signs that do not comform to these textbook pieces. Happy hunting!
 

Coburg Badge Mini Stickpin

 
One of the great unknowns about the Coburg Badge is the Mini Stickpin that has surfaced in the recent years. There have been some collectors who have acquired such stickpins, usually measuring about a fifth in size when compared to the full badge. As we can see from the Fritz Eitel's grouping, there is indeed a miniature Coburg Badge presented within his photo frame dated 1933 which is also decorated with a party eagle on the above. Below shows a close up of the miniature with some details intentionally omitted. The details shown in the miniature is very good, with crisp lettering. From author's collection.
 

Yet Another Second Pattern Appears ...

Another second pattern has surfaced, this time from an American collector who claimed that he purchase a large lot of NSDAP items that was brought back by an American World War Two veteran. The lot included about thirty items, including this remarkable Coburg Badge. This badge shows a broad pin set up, typical of second pattern pieces. If you look carefully, the RZM marking appears on the Seven O'clock position, rather than in the centre when compared to the previous post. Some second pattern pieces also exhibit an interesting "fingerprint" texture on the reverse which may be due to the manufacturing process of sanding down or removing excess material through a machining process. it is said that the edges were filed down by hand, which meant that no two badges have an outline that is exactly identical, so don't worry if one of your towers appear smaller than another piece.

Another Second Pattern Surfaces

Another second pattern Coburg badge with a clear RZM marking on the reverse appeared earlier this month in July at an auction. The starting price was 3000 euros, eventually ending with a hammer price and auction fee of about 8300 euros. This is a nice second pattern badge with all textbook features and a lovely brass hue to it. There are two variations of second pattern badges with one having the 189 maker mark and the other with an RZM mark on the reverse.

Fritz Eitel's Grouping

Fritz Eitel's grouping remains one of the best and most complete set of medals and documents related to the trio of esteemed badges - The Coburg Badge, The Blood Order, and the Golden Party Badge. We reported in March 2016 about the Coburg Badge group which comprise of photographs and documents. It seems that more of Eitel's stuff have surfaced, of which the Blood Order and Golden Party badge were split and sold by another dealer. It is also said that a  beer stein dedicated to Eitel was also split and sold separately. The beer stein was sold with a hammer price of US$1400 in August 2016 and now for sale elsewhere for US$2500!

Interesting Coburg Plate - Erich Probst

This unusual Coburg Badge related plate recently surfaced in a small German auction house and was sold with a hammer price of 260 euros. It was said to be made by Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria Germany. The plate measures 23.5cm. It is still not known about the association of Erich Probst with this plate. It has an unsual colour scheme with this colour combination never seen in association with Coburg related memorabilia except for the lead window.

First Pattern Coburg Badge

This first pattern Coburg Badge recently surfaced in January this year and exhibits most features that you would see in a first pattern piece, including the very thin pin. No reverse photos are available. Some details on the top including those of the castle are faint but this could be due to the quality of the photograph. Still a nice badge altogether.

Second Pattern Coburg Badge

Here's another second pattern of the Coburg Badge which surfaced in 2011 and was sold by a German dealer. Not the wider than usual pin on the reverse which is different from the usual replacement being used. This wider pin also has a blunt tip and with a nice line in the centre of the pin. The rest of the features are textbook. Courtesy of der-hase-fee.

Silver Plated Anniversary Plate

This unusual silver plated Coburg Anniversary Plate surfaced on an American dealers website which has since been sold. This is an unusual plate which might have been sold at the anniversay event. There is no inscription or maker stamp on the front or reverse. There have been instances that collectors have been fooled where old silverwares have been re-used and re-engraved. For this particular piece, as no on hand inspection was carried out, it is hard to ascertain its authenticity, but otherwise a lovely plate. For beginners, stick to textbook examples such as a first pattern Coburg badge, study it carefully before moving on to commemorative pieces.

Second Pattern Coburg on the Market

Rarely do we encounter a second pattern RZM 189 marked Coburg Badge on the market. This comes from a German Dealer and available at around 9000 euros (December 2016). I have no affliation with any dealers and is meant to indicate today's rising prices for the badge. The above badge was recorded to be in existence about a year ago from forum member Dirik.

Fantastic Group of Coburg Badge as a Set

 
This is a fantastic group that was sold only recently in March 2016 shows that sets such as these can sometimes surface from time to time. Thank you for the colleague who informed me about this set as we can see the documents that accompanied the Coburg Badge. Sets such as this mean solid provenance for such a badge and an extremely rare encounter. You can see from the pin set up that the holder clearly treasured the badge and had these repaired to be worn again. Replaced pin plates are common in the Coburg Badges that you may encounter and do not detract the historical value of these artefacts.

Commemorative Plaque for the Battle of Coburg

Another contribution from fellow collector E.S., this plaque commemorates the Battle of Coburg. Another example was offered by a German dealer some years ago but it had a hair line crack and I passed on it. These were fragile and not many survive today. This particular piece is in a very nice condition.

Christmas Card from the Kreisleiter of Coburg

A Christmas Card sent by the Kreisleiter of Coburg. Very seldom seen and a one of a kind piece. These documents are difficult to locate because they are usually discarded. This piece belongs to fellow collector E.S. who is recognised as one of the leading figures of political militaria. Thank you for the contribution. 

Example of a First Pattern Coburg Badge

 
A first pattern Coburg Badge from private Dutch collector, Martin V. Lovely pin set up, original as it can ever be.

How much was the Coburg Badge sold at its time?

A second pattern Coburg Badge with a crisp RZM mark on the reverse with a solid pin set up. This was offered by a German dealer and has since been sold to a private collector. What is interesting is that there is a faint marking on the reverse in ink, indicating 3,60RM or 3.60 Reichsmarks. The Reichsmark was the currency in Germany from 1924 until 20 June 1948 and in Austria from 1938 to 1945. The Reichsmark was subdivided into 100 Reichspfennig. The Mark is an ancient Germanic weight measure, traditionally a half pound, later used for several coins. From 1871 to 1918 Germany was called the Kaiserreich or the Deutsches Reich. Although Germany became a republic in 1919, the term "Reich" remained part of the country's official name. We can fairly say that it is highly likely that the second pattern was sold for 3.60 Reichsmarks at that time from this badge.

Hitler's Coburg Badge? Proven provenance or not?

It is believed that this particular Coburg Badge came from Anny Brunner-Winter who was Hitler's housekeeper in his Munich flat at Prinzregentenplatz 16 from 1929 to 1945, stating that the badge originated from Hitler's personal possessions. The written statement and the badge was sold at a past auction house for 7,200 euros. Collectors should be aware that while water-tight and solid provenance provides added historical significance, at times loose documents should be taken with a pinch of salt. It is the author's belief that although the needle system for this badge is intact, it is actually a replacement as these were extremely fragile.

First Pattern Attributed to Ludwig Schmied

 
A first pattern Coburg Badge attributed to Ludwig Schmied, offered by an auction house which was sold for 7800 euros plus commission fees. The starting bid was 2,500 euros. These badges have seen prices increase steadily as the collector market recognises the importance of these first pattern pieces as only 436 were ever issued. Only a very small number are known to survive today. This particular badge comes with a post-war collector's box labelled with Ludwig Schmied which is recognised as one of the original recepients of this coveted badge. The pin set up in this piece is original and particularly fragile.

History of the NSDAP in Northern Bavaria

The history of the NSDAP in Northern Bavaria is closely related to "March to Coburg" in October 1922. As Gauleiter of the Deutsch-Völkische Schutzbund Hans Dietrich had invited the NSDAP to attend the "German Day" in Coburg under the condition that Hitler appeared in person. Coburg subsequently became a bastion of National Socialism: it was the first German city in which the NSDAP won absolute majority in the city council elections in 1929 and which granted Hitler honorary citizenship in 1932. In commemoration of the "March to Coburg" Hitler introduced the Coburg badge of honour in 1932, one of the highest distinctions awarded to party members.

First Pattern Attributed to Karl Ostberg

Born 4 March, 1890 in Buchloe, the future SS-Standartenführer Karl Ostberg was Hitler's first companion and adherent (NSDAP admittance 1 March 1920, old number 1035). He and Hitler together were despatch runners in 1. Kompanie, Royal Bavarian 16th Reserve Infantry Regiment "List", and he received the Iron Cross as well as the Military Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords. As a former police constable, he was also one of the forces behind the formation of the Schutzstaffel (SS number 1315, admittance 9 February 1929) in Munich. Following his death on 29 May 1935, Hitler attended his funeral at the Munich Westfriedhof. An historically important group of decorations including the Blood Order (no. 1408), Golden Party Badge (no. 10166) and other parteitags from the early period of the NSDAP offered in an auction and sold for 15,000 euros in 2013.