The Story
Original Items: Only One Available. This is a very interesting lightly patinated Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge, which looks to be of early war Tombak alloy construction. The "swooping eagle" is held on by the usual two rivets, and was originally produced with a "blacked" finish. The badge was modified during the war, and the original pinback attachment was removed, possibly having broken off. There were then two threaded brass bolts added to the back, with a silver plated brass plate that slides over them, and two brass square nuts to hold it in place. This type of attachment would be FAR more secure than the original pinback. We have never seen one modified in this way, but can see how it would have been advantageous in period.
The condition is very good, with the original finish worn on the front of the eagle, while the reverse still shows a good amount of the original darkening where it is protected by the backing plate. The silvering on the wreath is still great, showing a lovely lightly tarnished look. We checked for a maker mark on the back of the eagle, and there is not one present, which is not out of the ordinary. It may be possible to identify the maker by the style of construction and rivets, as each maker had their own distinctive style.
Condition is superb, with the original finish well retained on both the eagle and the wreath, with some light wear around the edges and raised areas. The silvering on the wreath is great, and the back of the eagle shows the original "blacked" finish very well.
A good chance to pick up a great example of a classic Luftwaffe badge with a very interesting period modified uniform attachment!
The Luftwaffe Aviator / Pilot Badge (Flugzeugführerabzeichen or Pilotenabzeichen) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to Luftwaffe service personnel who completed flight training, receiving their flying license and citation. It was instituted on 26 March 1936 by the Commander in Chief of the Luftwaffe Hermann Göring. It came in distinct types; nickel silver (changed to zinc during the war) and a variant made of gold. It depicts a silver eagle (Silberner Adler) perched atop a swas (hook cross), wings open in a landing pose, and surrounded by a wreath with laurel (Lorbeer) on the right side and oak leaf (Eichenlaub) branches on the left side, respectively. It was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the service tunic, underneath the Iron Cross 1st Class if awarded.
The design is two part, with the eagle attached to the wreath by two rivets. The badge can be distinguished from the very similar Pilot/Observer Badge by the wreath; the Pilot's Badge has a silver wreath, while the Pilot/Observer badge has a gold wreath.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
Original Items: Only One Available. This is a very interesting lightly patinated Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge, which looks to be of early war Tombak alloy construction. The "swooping eagle" is held on by the usual two rivets, and was originally produced with a "blacked" finish. The badge was modified during the war, and the original pinback attachment was removed, possibly having broken off. There were then two threaded brass bolts added to the back, with a silver plated brass plate that slides over them, and two brass square nuts to hold it in place. This type of attachment would be FAR more secure than the original pinback. We have never seen one modified in this way, but can see how it would have been advantageous in period.
The condition is very good, with the original finish worn on the front of the eagle, while the reverse still shows a good amount of the original darkening where it is protected by the backing plate. The silvering on the wreath is still great, showing a lovely lightly tarnished look. We checked for a maker mark on the back of the eagle, and there is not one present, which is not out of the ordinary. It may be possible to identify the maker by the style of construction and rivets, as each maker had their own distinctive style.
Condition is superb, with the original finish well retained on both the eagle and the wreath, with some light wear around the edges and raised areas. The silvering on the wreath is great, and the back of the eagle shows the original "blacked" finish very well.
A good chance to pick up a great example of a classic Luftwaffe badge with a very interesting period modified uniform attachment!
The Luftwaffe Aviator / Pilot Badge (Flugzeugführerabzeichen or Pilotenabzeichen) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to Luftwaffe service personnel who completed flight training, receiving their flying license and citation. It was instituted on 26 March 1936 by the Commander in Chief of the Luftwaffe Hermann Göring. It came in distinct types; nickel silver (changed to zinc during the war) and a variant made of gold. It depicts a silver eagle (Silberner Adler) perched atop a swas (hook cross), wings open in a landing pose, and surrounded by a wreath with laurel (Lorbeer) on the right side and oak leaf (Eichenlaub) branches on the left side, respectively. It was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the service tunic, underneath the Iron Cross 1st Class if awarded.
The design is two part, with the eagle attached to the wreath by two rivets. The badge can be distinguished from the very similar Pilot/Observer Badge by the wreath; the Pilot's Badge has a silver wreath, while the Pilot/Observer badge has a gold wreath.
