Germany, Luftwaffe. A Pilot Badge To Friedrich Widenbach, With Case, By C.e. Juncker

(Flugzeugführerabzeichen). Instituted 1935. (Issued 1936-1945). Constructed of silvered tombac, this badge is composed of a richly-detailed, narrow version oak leaf wreath bearing a stylized “J-1” type Luftwaffe eagle clutching a hand-filed mobile swastika, the reverse presents with a barrel hinge accommodating a vertical pinback with a flattened tip meeting an elongated round wire catch, two rivets at the top half of the reverse of the wreath securely hold the obverse eagle in position, the reverse of the eagle is stamped with a maker’s mark of “C.E. Juncker, Berlin” - the reverse of the wreath is marked "SchülerKomp" Neukihren, F. Weidenbach" by the recipient, measuring 53 mm (h) x 64 mm (w) and weighing 30.9 grams, in near extremely fine condition, includes period original case, consisting of a sturdy cardstock frame with textured faux black leather exterior and “Flugzeugführerabz.” (“Airplane Leader Badge”) stamped in gold Fraktur-style font on the centre of the lid, functional magnetic metal interior spring catch with exterior stud release, functional magnetic metal hinge, with beautifully intact dark purple and blue interior lining with hinge cover, vertical slit accommodating placement of badge, in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Friedrich Weidenbach was an Unteroffizier of Kampfgeschwader 51 "Edelweiss". He was wounded in action on May 19, 1940 during a fighter attack while on a reconnaisance sortie to Vitry-le Francois.