Imperial Prussian Observer Badge

Product Description: This Imperial Prussian Observer Badge is a gorgeous example. It is a hollow back version, made of stamped metal. The silver has taken on a very beautiful age patina, with even, attractive toning. This badge is very high quality, and extremely well made, with crisp detail to the laurel and oak leaves as well as the Prussian crown at the top. The enamel on the Army Corps badge is nearly perfect, with bright original color, and no chips. The reverse of this Imperial Prussian Observer Badge is all original, with a great, uncleaned look. The functional hardware setup features a broad pin, barrel hinge and round wire catch. The tip of the pin bears a hollow relief stamp that appears to be the letter “K,” likely a maker’s mark. On the rear of the badge, the two prongs that hold the enameled Corps badge in place are intact and un-messed with. This badge has great character, and is in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The Imperial Prussian military instituted a number of flying awards and badges prior to 1918, to recognize the skills and achievements of pilots and air crew before and during the First World War. The Prussian Army Pilot’s Badge was officially instituted by the King of Prussia and Emperor of the German Empire Wilhelm II on January 27, 1913, as a qualification badge. The criteria for the award of this badge evolved during WWI, making it more of an award; pilots were expected to have completed some actual combat flying. In addition to the Pilot’s Badge, an Observer’s Badge was also instituted; in January 1918, an Air Gunner’s Badge was instituted as well. There was also a Commemorative Flyer’s Badge, which commemorated service with the German Army air service. At some point in WWI, issue of these badges ceased, and air crew members who met the qualifications for wearing the badge were simply given paper certificates; they had to purchase their own badges. Perhaps for this reason, various private purchase styles of these badges are generally more common than the stamped metal issue types. Wear of these badges continued after WWI by those men who had earned them. 

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