Early Post War S&L Glider Pilot Badge

Product Description: This early post war S&L Glider Pilot Badge is a very attractive example of an interesting badge. This piece was made by the firm of Steinhauer & Lück, in Lüdenscheid. This was a wartime badge manufacturer that continued to make some awards after May 1945 for the souvenir market. Study of this variant of Glider Pilot Badge has so far not been able to determine if these were made wartime, postwar, or possibly both. We label these as early post war to try to allow any potential buyer to understand the current knowledge on these particular S&L Glider Pilot Badges. This badge is made entirely of fine zinc. It’s a unique, rivetless design, with the eagle soldered to the wreath. The finish on this badge is very beautiful, with outstanding intact silver wash on the wreath, and a lightly darkened eagle. There is slight wear, with lots of fine detail still present. The reverse of this badge is flat and unmarked, though the manufacturer is known. The hardware is textbook for this type of Glider Pilot Badge, with no repairs, and the attachment pin is functional. This badge has a great look. It’s a part of this history of S&L production, and worthy of study. The condition rates as excellent plus.

Historical Description: The Luftwaffe Glider Pilot Badge was instituted by Luftwaffe Chief Hermann Göring on December 16, 1940. The badge took the form of a wreath of narrow oak leaves, made of Buntmetall or silvered zinc, to which was riveted a flying eagle with a darkened finish. The badge was designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus. Production of the badge began at the firm of C. E. Juncker in the fall of 1940. The badge was awarded to airmen who had earned the Glider Pilots License; it was issued together with the license, upon conclusion of training. The metal version of the badge was originally issued in a blue presentation box with a hinged lid. There were also cloth versions of the badge produced, both machine-embroidered and hand-embroidered; production of these ceased in 1942. The badges were worn on the left breast pocket of both military and civil uniforms.

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