Luftwaffe Glider Pilot Badge – Ball Hinge – Gablonz

Product Description: Offered here is a fine example of the Luftwaffe Glider Pilot Badge – Ball Hinge – Gablonz variant, a scarce and highly sought-after award attributed to the skilled craftsmanship of the Gablonz workshops. Struck from two-piece zinc construction, this example retains crisp, sharply defined detail to both the high-relief eagle in flight and the intricately textured wreath. While the original silver finish has long since faded—a common trait with zinc-based badges—the underlying detail remains exceptionally well-preserved, with an attractive, even patina that speaks to its age and authenticity. The reverse is smooth and flat, displaying all the hallmark construction features of Gablonz manufacture. Unmarked but textbook in every respect, it is fitted with a fully functional ball hinge, classic long needle pin, and round wire “C” catch, all secured by tight, properly flattened rivets—exactly as found on confirmed wartime examples from this maker. A desirable and representative example of this scarce Luftwaffe qualification badge, this piece would make an ideal addition to any serious Luftwaffe or broader militaria collection, offering both historical significance and visual appeal.

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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