Cased Luftwaffe Observer’s Badge by C.E. Juncker

Product Description: This Cased Luftwaffe Observer’s Badge is an extremely desirable, near-perfect set. The badge is an exquisite early piece, in the “J2” pattern, made of a brass alloy (Tombak). The obverse has wonderful original finish, with about 98 percent of the original factory applied darkening remaining on the eagle, and about 99 percent of the silver electroplating on the wreath, with only slight, mellow age toning. All of the crisp original detail is intact. The reverse of this extraordinary badge is maker marked on the back of the eagle with “C. E. Juncker, Berlin SW.” The hardware setup is textbook for Juncker, with the typical barrel hinge, round wire pin and “C” catch. The finish on the reverse of the badge is virtually pristine, with even the factory blackening on the pin remaining intact. This is a hiqh quality piece, with evidence of hand filing on the edges of the wreath. The rivets are textbook Juncker, and nice and tight. This badge is housed in its original case of issue, which is a correct, high raised Juncker type. The exterior of the case retains strong original blue color to the cloth covering, and full original gold leaf to the award designation embossed on the lid. Inside, the crushed velvet lining on the insert displays the badge extremely well. The silk lining of the lid and the hinge cover are intact. The hardware on the case functions perfectly. This is a choice set, in outstanding, excellent plus plus condition.

Historical Description: The Luftwaffe Observer Badge (Beobachterabzeichen) was instituted by Luftwaffe chief Hermann Göring on January 19, 1935. To earn the badge, a member of the Luftwaffe had to have had an observer’s license for two months, or to have participated in five flights over enemy territory, or to have been wounded on a flight. Members of other branches of the Wehrmacht could also be awarded the badge, if the necessary conditions had been met. The badge featured a flying eagle and swastika emblem, affixed to a wreath of laurel and oak leaves. Early examples were made of Tombak or nickel silver, with aluminum used (rarely) later, and finally zinc for wartime badges. A cloth version was also authorized for field use. The badge was worn on the left breast of the uniform. About 35,000 pieces had been awarded by war’s end.

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