Cased J1 Pilot Badge

Product Description: This cased J1 Pilot Badge is a beautiful and very desirable early set. The badge is made of nickel silver, a fine material associated with these early, top-quality pieces. It’s a textbook thin wreath J1 pattern Juncker made award. The wreath retains all of the beautiful original factory silvering. There is some bright frosting remaining in the recesses of the design, as well as a pleasant, mild patina. The eagle retains most of its dark burnishing, with crisp detail on the feathers and only very light wear to the high points. This badge features the cutout between the bird’s legs, which not all J1 awards have. The reverse of this Cased J1 Pilot Badge features correct and functional Juncker hardware, with no repairs. The initials of the pilot to whom this was originally awarded, “H.B.,” have been professionally engraved on the reverse of wreath. The badge is nicely marked with a neat maker stamp on the back of the eagle.  This badge is housed in a correct early J1 style Juncker case. With the exception of one small dent on the underside, the case is nearly perfect, with lovely original color throughout. The exterior is clean, with virtually all of the original surface intact. The interior presents the badge beautifully and is free of damage. This set has the feel of a piece of history. The condition is excellent.

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