Cased J1 Pilot Observer Badge

Product Description: This cased J1 Pilot Observer Badge is a phenomenal set, in exceptional condition, and with extraordinary visual appeal. The badge is the early “thin wreath” type, and is the variant known to collectors as the “J1” pattern. It’s a top quality, early production piece, made of two pieces of Tombak. The stunning eagle features nearly all of the original deluxe sliver electroplated finish, which remains extremely vibrant. This original finish is fragile, and it is rare to see one with the finish so well preserved. The wreath retains all of its high quality fire-gilding. The gold tones of this finish are really eye-catching and lustrous. The reverse of this badge is maker marked with the “C. E. Juncker Berlin S.W.” mark behind the eagle. The hardware and rivets are textbook for this maker, and are intact, with no repairs. The attachment pin has some slight bends, and is functional. The badge is free of any damage or repairs, and presents extremely well. The badge is housed in an original case of issue which is near mint. The case is the correct type for a J1 Pilot Observer badge. The “Flugzeugführer- u. Beobachter-Abzeichen” lettering on the lid is still shiny, and nearly all of the exterior surface is intact. The closure works flawlessly. Inside, the badge in beautifully showcased on a velvet insert. The lid lining and hinge cover present no issues. These Pilot Observer Cases are extremely rare and much rarer than the badges themselves, which are already tough to find. ; The condition of this very desirable Cased J1 Pilot Observer Badge rates as near mint overall.

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.

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