Pilot Badge, by Berg & Nolte (in nickel silver)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.GTR.0701.101.02.001

Estimated market value:

$1100 USD

  • Pilot Badge, by Berg & Nolte (in nickel silver) Obverse
  • Pilot Badge, by Berg & Nolte (in nickel silver) Reverse
  • Pilot Badge, by Berg & Nolte (in nickel silver) Obverse
  • Pilot Badge, by Berg & Nolte (in nickel silver) Detail
  • Pilot Badge, by Berg & Nolte (in nickel silver) Detail
  • Pilot Badge, by Berg & Nolte (in nickel silver) Detail

Estimated market value:

$1100 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Nickel Silver
  • Size
    65x53mm

Physical Description and Item Details


A fine early quality “Pilotenabzeichen”; two-piece construction; in silvered and patinated nickel-silver; oval wreath with laurel leaves towards the left side and oak leaves towards the right side, separated by three small ribbon-like loops on the bottom, with a large patinated eagle with spread-out wings superimposed on the badge, clutching a swastika in its talons; two rivets on the reverse; vertical needle style pinback with a barrel hinge and a round wire catch; measuring 52.92 mm x 64.75 mm; weighing 45.8 grams; extremely fine condition.

History


The Pilot's Badge was officially introduced by Hermann Göring on August 12th, 1935, and it was conferred upon all active military personnel who completed their flying training and were awarded a military pilot’s license.

The establishment of the Badge is often cited as March 26th, 1936, but in actuality, it was first referenced on May 27th, 1935, in the official orders of the Luftwaffe (Luftwaffe Verordnungsblatt). As stated above, it was likely instituted around August 12th, 1935, and its regulations were first published on November 27th, 1935.

In 1935, a cloth version was produced and authorised for wear of light jackets. The Badge for Officers was produced from bullion, while the Badge for Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted men was produced from cotton thread.

The last recorded conferral of the award was on May 2nd, 1944.

All badges feature a solid mass between the legs of the eagle, however, a few original examples were manufactured with an open space between the eagle’s legs. This variation should strictly be considered a production variation.

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