Germany, Imperial. A Pilot’s Badge, with Stick Pin Miniature, c. 1917

(Flugzeugführerabzeichen mit Anstecknadel). Constructed of silvered magnetic iron, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel and oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a German State Crown (indicating Prussian issue), surrounding a central depiction of a Taube monoplane flying over a rural landscape, the reverse with a crimped hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 45.93 mm (w) x 71.63 mm (h), weighing 12.4 grams, demonstrating a small patch of oxidation to the five o’clock position of the obverse, in better than very fine condition, accompanied by a matching stick pin miniature, constructed of a silvered brass alloy, unmarked, measuring 11.46 mm (w) x 18.34 mm (h), demonstrating some loss of finish and loosening of soldering to the needle rendering the pin fragile, in better than very fine condition.

Footnote: An example of this variant of the Pilot’s Badge is provided on page 205 of “Aircrew Badges and Honor Prizes of the Flying Troops from 1913 to 1920” by Carsten Baldes, 2012.