Thin Wreath Juncker Pilot Badge – J1

Product Description: This thin wreath Juncker Pilot Badge is a very desirable and early award. This is the pattern known to collectors as the “J1” variant. It’s made from nickel silver, a material associated with top quality, early pieces. The wreath retains most of its original silver electroplated finish, with fine detail as well as beautiful age toning. The wonderfully detailed eagle has most of the factory applied dark burnishing, with light wear to the high points of the design. On the reverse, the badge is nicely maker marked behind the eagle with the stamped marking “C. E. Juncker, Berlin S.W.” The hardware is intact, with a barrel hinge and functional round wire pin and catch. The “C” catch has been neatly repaired at some point in the past. The rivets are nice and tight, and are textbook Juncker. A light, old patina on the reverse gives this badge an appealing, uncleaned look. This scarce early thin wreath Juncker Pilot Badge displays very handsomely, and is in outstanding condition.

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