Luftwaffe Glider Pilot Badge – Ball Hinge – Gablonz

Product Description: Offered here is an outstanding and seldom-encountered example of the Luftwaffe Glider Pilot Badge – Ball Hinge – Gablonz, a rare and highly sought-after award that stands as a testament to the elite training and skill of Germany’s preeminent glider pilots. Struck from fine, two-piece zinc construction, this badge retains an exceptional degree of its original silvering—remarkably well-preserved for this scarce variant and a feature seldom encountered in such abundance. Measuring an impressive 56.62 mm in height by 53.61 mm in width, and weighing 21.5 grams, it boasts crisp, sharply defined detail across both the soaring eagle and the finely textured wreath. The reverse is smooth and flat, exhibiting all the textbook characteristics of Gablonz manufacture. While unmarked, it is immediately identifiable by its distinctive construction traits: a perfectly functional ball hinge, classic long needle pin, round wire “C” catch, and tight, expertly flattened rivets—precisely as seen on verified period examples from this maker. Thought to be a from Gablonz makers and called the Ball Hinge variant.  The finish has matured to a beautiful, even patina, enhancing the depth of its detail without detracting from its luster. Awards of this caliber and condition are seldom offered on the open market, making this piece a prime candidate for an advanced Luftwaffe or broader militaria collection. Condition is an exceptional Excellent++ to Near Mint, with originality, completeness, and aesthetic appeal that will impress even the most seasoned collector.

Historical Description: The Luftwaffe Glider Pilot Badge was instituted by Luftwaffe Chief Hermann Göring, on December 16, 1940. The badge took the form of a wreath of narrow oak leaves, made of Buntmetall or silvered zinc, to which was riveted a flying eagle with a darkened finish. The badge was designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus. Production of the badge began at the firm of C. E. Juncker in the fall of 1940. The badge was awarded to airmen who had earned the Glider Pilots License; it was issued together with the license, upon conclusion of training. The metal version of the badge was originally issued in a blue presentation box with a hinged lid. There were also cloth versions of the badge produced, both machine-embroidered and hand-embroidered; production of these ceased in 1942. The badges were worn on the left breast pocket of both military and civil uniforms.

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