Germany, Luftwaffe. A Mint Pilot’s Badge, Type 1, by Gebrüder Wegerhoff

(Flugzeugführerabzeichen). Constructed of nickel silver, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel and oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, overlaid by a swooping Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, the reverse with two visible rivets securing the eagle in position, with a narrow barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked with the logo of Gebrüder Wegerhoff, Lüdenscheid, measuring 62.88 mm (w) x 52.81 mm (h), weighing 44.4 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a dark blue exterior liner executed in an irregular grid pattern, the lid bearing a gilt inscription of “FLUGZEUGFÜHRERABZ.”, the interior with a blue rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted dark blue velvet medal bed, closing with a metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 78 mm (w) x 78 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), the case shows extensive material fatigue which includes detachment of the lid liner and loss of functionality to the catch, the badge demonstrates Wegerhoff’s noted superior quality and remains in a near mint condition.