Cased Assmann Pilot Observer Badge – A2/A3

Product Description: Absolutely beautiful and Rare Cased Assmann Pilot Observer Badge. The badge is an early produced A2/A3 pattern with the “A” marked in the upper left of the wreaths reverse.  These were amongst the first produced tombak 2nd pattern Assmann Pilot Observer with the mark where it is.  The badge is made of tombak with nicely silver electroplated eagle and fire gilded wreath. The eagle has a very light and attractive patina in the recesses. The gold wreath remains mint and untouched. The reverse has the classic earlier Assmann style hardware setup which is completely intact and not repaired in anyway. The classic “spun” Assmann rivets can be seen and retain their factory darkening. The makers mark of “A’ can be seen stamped in the upper left corner of the wreath, the more commonly encountered area is on the eagles reverse. The case is the correct case for this pattern Assmann Pilot Observer Badge, and is, in my honest opinion, three times rarer than the badge itself. The case is mint without and without damage. This is a rare and amazingly beautiful Cased Assmann Pilot Observer Badge set that will please even the most advanced collectors!

Historical Description: The Luftwaffe Combined Pilot Observer Badge was instituted by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on January 19, 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, silver swooping eagle clutching the German national swastika emblem, surrounded by a golden 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 Observer badges were made of aluminum, nickel silver, plated Tombak, and later on in 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 open 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