Germany, Luftwaffe. A Pilot and Observer Badge, Type 7, by Friedrich Linden

(Flugzeugführer- und Beobachterabzeichen). Constructed of gilded and silvered zink, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, overlaid by a swooping Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, the reverse with one of two intact rivets securing the eagle in position, with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of a Type 7 badge produced by Friedrich Linden, Lüdenscheid, measuring 63.92 mm (w) x 53.04 mm (h), weighing 41.8 grams, in addition to the missing rivet the badge demonstrates near-total loss of gilt and silver finish throughout the base metal, with some oxidation and chipping also visible (the latter particularly to the reverse three o’clock position of the wreath), a well-worn example in fair condition.