Army Airship Commemorative Badge, by Walter Schott

SKU: 03.GEM.0113.101.01

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Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    August 1, 1920

History


Airships were first developed in the form of static reconnaissance balloons and later as free-floating zeppelin-style aircraft. However, the development of comparatively cheap motor-powered airplanes eventually made the expensive, slow-moving, and highly inflammable airships easy targets for enemy pilots. During the course of the First World War, airships fell out of favour. Of the 500 men that served as airship crew members during the war, 79 were killed in action.

A badge for airship crew members was under development during the war, but when it ended, the effort was discontinued. However, based on these plans, an Army Airship Commemorative Badge was introduced by the Weimar Republic ministry of defence on August 1, 1920. It was awarded to any airship crew member who served in this capacity on the frontlines for at least one year. A document was issued and the recipients had to purchase the badges themselves. The badge could then be worn on the lower left breast.

The Army Airship Commemorative Badge features an oval wreath aligned horizontally, the upper part made of laurel and with a bow, the lower part made of oak leaves, both green lacquered. The cut-out centre features a silvered airship facing to the viewer’s left. The reverse usually features a pinback for attachment.

The badges measure roughly 70x40mm and weigh approximately 30 to 40g if they are solid. Hollow badges are only about half as heavy. They are made of silvered and lacquered brass.

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Versions

  • Price

    $5,000 USD

  • Composition

    Silvered Brass/Lacquered Brass

  • Inscription

  • Size

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Army Airship Commemorative Badges by Walter Schott are unmarked.

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Documents

  • Price

    $500 USD

  • Price

    $1210 USD

Miniatures

Miniature

Miniature Badge

  • Price

    $150 USD

  • Size

    9mm

  • Composition

  • Remarks

Miniature

Miniature Badge

  • Price

    $245 USD

  • Size

    16mm

  • Composition

  • Remarks

Miniature

Miniature Badge

  • Price

    $620 USD

  • Size

    30mm

  • Composition

  • Remarks

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