Prussian Pilot's badge

[MrSmith]

Hello

Would someone please be so kind as to post some high res pictures of a stamped, hollow back issue Pilot's badge please?

I am looking for one and would like a benchmark to compare, thanks

[Stogieman]

Here's a good example to utilize. Only shop from a trusted seller.

[Stogieman]

Reverse:

[Stogieman]

Additional example, different maker, courtesy of Detlev Niemann, Hamburg

[Stogieman]

There are two very distinct styles. One with very little "mirror relief" to the reverse, one with much. There is some dissension as to acceptance of each example/style. In addition, they are currently reproduced in both styles. Again, caution is recommended. I would recommend finding an example of the second type I have shown as being the more accepted, 'textbook' style of badge.

[MrSmith]

There are two very distinct styles. One with very little "mirror relief" to the reverse, one with much. There is some dissension as to acceptance of each example/style. In addition, they are currently reproduced in both styles. Again, caution is recommended. I would recommend finding an example of the second type I have shown as being the more accepted, 'textbook' style of badge.

Hi Stogieman

Thanks for your assistance, this is exactly what I was after, most of the badges I've seen around appear to be outright fakes or later produced badges,

Do you know how much a ball park figure for one of these would be?

http://www.derrittmeister.com/ sometimes has some badges but looking at their current offerings the only piece I feel comfortable with his the Bavarian Pilot's badge in the case, although the mini stickpins look quite nice and genuine as well.

[Daniel Murphy]

Mr. Smith,

Unfortunately that seller does have a number of questionable badges. I have had very good experiences dealing with Emedals in Canada. They currently have a badge, like the second one Stogie posted, for sale right now for $750 US with a COA from Detlev. This may be a little high, but real badges are going up in price substantially. Here is a link.

Dan

http://www.emedals.ca/catalog.asp?item=GEM308

Edited September 5, 2006 by Daniel Murphy

[MrSmith]

Mr. Smith,

Unfortunately that seller does have a number of questionable badges. I have had very good experiences dealing with Emedals in Canada. They currently have a badge, like the second one Stogie posted, for sale right now for $750 US with a COA from Detlev. This may be a little high, but real badges are going up in price substantially. Here is a link.

Dan

http://www.emedals.ca/catalog.asp?item=GEM308

Hi Daniel

That would looks very nice, do you know what the fnish that was originally applied to these badges was? was it a silver type wash, as it appears the badge you posted has lost most of its finish.

thanks

[Daniel Murphy]

I have seen these open backed badges in many configurations, Genuine silver with frosting (which I sold like an idiot), Silver plated tombac (or neusilber), and silver plated iron. The seller on this one states it is silvered tombac, so it is silverplated. A silver wash is fairly thin and would not have lasted very long under service conditions. I have a silverplated two piece hollow badge from late in the war. It is not marked for silver content, but until I looked at it with a jewelers loupe, I had thought it was silver. The loupe brought out the tombac peeking through on the high points.

Dan

[MrSmith]

I have seen these open backed badges in many configurations, Genuine silver with frosting (which I sold like an idiot), Silver plated tombac (or neusilber), and silver plated iron. The seller on this one states it is silvered tombac, so it is silverplated. A silver wash is fairly thin and would not have lasted very long under service conditions. I have a silverplated two piece hollow badge from late in the war. It is not marked for silver content, but until I looked at it with a jewelers loupe, I had thought it was silver. The loupe brought out the tombac peeking through on the high points.

Dan

Guys thanks for your help, can you tell me if there are any good books available on the subject of WW1 German avation badges and awards?

[Stogieman]

The Neal O'Conner series on Aviation Awards is pretty good. Prussian/Bavarian editions will set you back some change, but have some nice photos of original badges. Niemann's Price guide has some excellent B&W photos of many different aviation badges. Also, a good beginning reference may be found here:

http://www.medalnet.net/pandis.htm

Note the credits.... ;>)

[VtwinVince]

I can also vouch for Barry Turk over at eMedals, having dealt with him several times.