Germany, Imperial. A Superb Pilot’s Badge and Iron Cross Presentation Set, with Customized Display Case

(Präsentationsset für Flugzeugführerabzeichen und Eisernes Kreuz 1914 II. Klasse - maßgefertigtem Präsentationskoffer). A rare striking award set to a distinguished pilot of the First World War, featuring:

1. A Pilot’s Badge, constructed of silvered brass, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel and oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a German State Crown, surrounding a depiction of a monoplane flying over a rural landscape, the reverse with a barrel hinge situated within a sunken void on the back of the crown and with a vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of a Type 5 badge produced by the noted firm of C.E. Juncker, Berlin, measuring 44.80 mm (w) x 73.28 mm (h), weighing 25.4 grams, demonstrating wear to the silver finish which affords a pleasing and unspoiled patina throughout the base metal, a wartime example in near extremely fine condition.

2. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, the suspension loop maker marked “KO” for widely-documented but unidentified manufacturer (speculated to be Klein, Oberstein), measuring 43.30 mm (w) x 47.90 mm (h), weighing 16.1 grams, in extremely fine condition.

3. A pilot’s ring, constructed of silver, the exterior overlaid by an oval medallion bearing a Fliegertruppe (Flight Troops) insignia, the interior stamped with a silver content mark of “800”, corresponding to a men’s size 9.5, weighing 4.9 grams, in extremely fine condition.

4. A patriotic ring, constructed of aluminum, the exterior bearing a raised design rendered illegible through friction, unmarked, corresponding to a men’s size 12, a classic example of patriotica sold from 1914-1918 to raise funds for Germany’s war effort, in very fine condition.

5. A customized display case, constructed of a silvered plated feinzink shell, with all four sides bearing raised and rounded diamonds surrounded by laurel branches, with a lid fitted to a retractable hinge and featuring a circular window complete with an original intact glass insert, opening to reveal a white velvet medal bed fitted to accommodate the Iron Cross, removed with a ribbon which emanates from the reverse to reveal a hollow interior, accommodating both the Pilot’s Badge and rings, unmarked, measuring 9.5 cm (w) x 9.5 cm (l) x 6 cm (h), demonstrating some bubbling and toning to the exterior which similarly affords the case a pleasing and consistent patina, a fantastic curio-style case demonstrating the owner’s pride in his wartime service, in extremely fine condition.