Germany, Luftwaffe. An Observer Badge, Late-War Version with Case, by Paul Meybauer

(Beobachterabzeichen mit Etui). Constructed of silvered zink, 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 emanating from a circular plate, bearing a full maker’s mark of “P. MEYBAUER, BERLIN”, measuring 51.45 mm (w) x 53.64 mm (h), weighing 37.6 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid demonstrating the outline of a former gilt inscription of “LUFTWAFFE BEOBACHTER-ABZEICHEN”, the interior with a card stock lid liner and slotted card stock medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 80 mm (w) x 80 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), moderate loss of finish is evident throughout the base metal of the base, while material fatigue is visible throughout the case with notable deterioration and fading to the interior liner, a scarce late-war example in overall very fine condition.