Cased Juncker J1 Pilot Badge

Product Description: This cased Juncker J1 Pilot Badge is an outstanding set, by a desirable maker. The gorgeous badge is an early thin wreath J1 pattern Juncker-made example. It’s made of fine nickel silver. The wreath retains virtually all of the original silvering, with some bright frosting remains in the recesses, as well as a mild and pleasant age patina. The eagle retains most of its dark burnishing, with very slight wear that shows the gleam of the base metal at the high points. The wreath and eagle retain loads of lovely detail. The eagle features the cutout between the bird’s legs, which not all J1 badges have. The reverse of this badge features textbook Juncker hardware, with no repairs. The back of the eagle is neatly stamped with the “C. E. Juncker Berlin SW” maker mark. The pin is functional, with a very slight bend. This choice badge is complete with its correct early J1 style Juncker case. The case is well preserved, with strong original color throughout. The treated fabric exterior shows some light scuffs on the top, but most of the original surface is intact. The push button and hinge work with no issues, and the designation of the award is emblazoned on the lid, as is typical. The inside of the case is nice and clean and displays the badge very well. The velvet insert and silk lining are intact with no issues. The condition of this cased Juncker J1 Pilot Badge rates as excellent.

Historical Description: The Luftwaffe Pilot Badge was instituted by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on August 12, 1935. It was among the earliest badges introduced in the German Wehrmacht and was worn by all qualified pilots in the German Air Force, similar to the “wings” worn by some other armies. The design of the badge featured a large, swooping eagle clutching the German national swastika emblem, surrounded by a wreath of oak and laurel leaves. The badge was normally presented in a blue hinged case. It was worn on the upper left uniform pocket, and a cloth version was also authorized for field use. In the nearly ten years from the introduction of this badge, to the end of WWII, the manufacturers of these awards made many changes in the features of the designs. Some companies, like Juncker, Assmann, and Deumer, had early first pattern badges which looked completely different from later pieces by the same manufacturers. Pilot badges were made of aluminum, nickel silver, plated Tombak, and zinc. The eagle was always a separate piece, riveted to the wreath, with different manufacturers using different rivet designs. As the war progressed, and dies wore out, many makers produced badges with subtle changes. All of these changes, over time, opened up a large spectrum of variation collecting for Luftwaffe badge collectors.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com