Cased Assmann Pilot Badge – A2/A3

Product Description: This cased Assmann Pilot Badge is a very desirable piece, in outstanding condition. The badge is an early, top quality, nickel silver example, of the variant known to collectors as the A2/A3 type. It is absolutely gorgeous, with a stunning look. The eagle design is the second Assmann pattern. It retains most of the original factory applied darkening, and loads of original detail. The third pattern wreath still has all of the original electroplating. The silver wreath finish is beautiful, with only minimal age toning. The reverse of this textbook badge is neatly maker marked with the stylized “A” logo for the firm of F. W. Assmann & Söhne in Lüdenscheid. The hardware is all correct for this maker, with “spun” rivets that remain tight. This lovely badge is housed in an original case. The badge does not perfectly fit inside the cutout of the interior insert, suggesting that the badge was most likely added at a later time. The case is marked on the lid with “Flugführerabz.” indicating a Pilot badge. The exterior is a nice dark blue color, and shows only light marks. The insert inside has a deluxe velvet lining that displays the badge nicely. The silk lid lining is intact, with light fraying to the hinge cover. This cased Assmann Pilot Badge is an outstanding set, that displays exceptionally well. The condition rates as near mint.

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.

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