RS&S Gold Bomber Clasp with Pendant

Product Description: This RS&S Gold Bomber Clasp with Pendant is an attractive example of an original late war award. It is struck from fine zinc, as was typical for badges from this period. The zinc reacted with the original gold finish, causing fading over time, but some traces of the original light gold finish remain on the wreath and oak leaves. The central winged bomb emblem on this bomber clasp still has the original dark finish. All of the original fine detail is still present, with no real wear to speak of. The reverse of this RS&S Gold Bomber Clasp with Pendant retains strong traces of the original gold finish, and is nicely maker marked with the initials of the firm of Rudolf Sieper & Söhne. The ball hinge, “banjo” pin and sheet metal catch retain the original finish, and the hinge and catch are still firmly held in place with the original crimps. The star pendant and fittings are textbook, and on this clasp indicate 300 missions flown! This desirable clasp has a great look, and is in excellent condition.

Historical Description: To acknowledge and recognize the achievements of Luftwaffe flight personnel who had taken part in missions against the enemy, the Luftwaffe in 1941 introduced a series of flight clasps, to be worn as awards on the uniform. The German term for this clasp was “Frontflugspange,” literally “Front Flight Clasp”; these are known to collectors as Flight Bars, Operational Flying Clasps or Squadron Clasps. The clasps took the form of a central emblem, set in a wreath of laurel leaves, and flanked on both sides by sprigs of oak leaves. On most designs, the German national swastika emblem was set at the bottom of the laurel wreath. The central emblem varied depending on the type of missions for which the clasp was awarded. An upward-pointed winged arrow was for Short Range Day Fighters, while a downward pointing winged arrow was for Long Range Day Fighters and Air to Ground Support (support crews later had their own crossed swords emblem). Bomber crews had a winged bomb emblem, a Luftwaffe eagle was chosen to represent Transport and Glider Squadrons, and an eagle head was worn by Reconnaissance, Air-Sea Rescue and Meteorological Squadrons. The clasps were produced in various grades to indicate the number of missions flown- Bronze for 20 flights, Silver for 60 flights and Gold for 100 flights. For personnel who surpassed the number of missions required for the Gold clasp, small pendants were produced, starting in 1942, to recognize the greater and greater numbers of missions being flown. There was a “star” pendant, that was given for certain numbers of flights beyond 100 missions (depending on the type of clasp, between 250 and 500 missions were required to earn the star). There were also numbered pendants, beginning with 200 missions, and increasing in increments of 100. As with all Third Reich military awards, Luftwaffe flight clasps are highly sought-after collectibles today.

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