Austria-Hungary Help with mini AH Flight Badges

[Lee Moore]

Hello All

I got this mini badge and two others in a package deal with a Hungarian 1921 badge. Am I wrong or are the crests reversed on this? Is this a reproduction? My guess is that if this one is bad the others may be as well. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Lee

Edited January 14, 2006 by Lee Moore

[Lee Moore]

Second Badge

[Lee Moore]

Third Mini

[Lee Moore]

Hungarian Pilot Badge (1921 type) Front

[Lee Moore]

Back

[Stogieman]

Hi Lee, Yes the crests are reversed but I believe this reflects the fact that the badges were made in Hungary, as opposed to Austria. They are all OK/authentic in my opinion. I saw these awhile back on the "another forum" and felt they were fine at that time.

[Stogieman]

PS: The Larger Pilot Badge dates from the 1920-35 era

[Lee Moore]

Hello Stogieman,

I was hoping I would hear from you on these. I did buy them off that forum. I was mainly after the full size Hungarian badge. I thought the others looked ok when I got them (don?t think the photos show all that well, but they are fairly good quality for the size), but the reversed crests had me a bit confused/concerned. Do you know what the full size Hungarian Pilot badge is referred to as? I have seen it called both a ?1921 Type? and I believe a ?1929 Type?. Not sure if these were official designations or simply collector?s terms. Anyway, good to find you here. I am certain that the membership has and will benefit from your extensive knowledge and assistance.

Thanks,

Lee

[Stogieman]

In my eyes, the "flipping" of the crests is not someone who is faking awards would think of. I have no physical evidence to back up my feelings, just a common sense gut call that if it was made in Hungary, what proud Hungarian would suborn his own country's crest to the Austrians? ;>)

Now, as an aside, I would not accept an Austrian Badge from any era other than 1920-30 with these wire attachments of the eagle. During 1920-30 Zimbler used a similar attachment, but not prior to this era and all of the badges had a very distinct "mirror" back with very bright fire gilding.

[Lee Moore]

I have read that the Hungarian Monarchy wanted to have a stronger position in the Austro-Hungarian empire in the later war years. The ?flipping? of the crests would certainly make sense if late/post war. Was the first badge (Observer/Aircrew?) badge always made without the eagle being attached separately? I remember reading somewhere that these badges (AH Aviation) were made and worn through the TR period by WWI veterans who also served in the Luftwaffe.

Thanks,

Lee

[Stogieman]

Hi Lee, the Observer Air Crew Badge was absolutely made right until the bitter end. That would go for the other Imperial Aviation Badges as well however I would submite that by 1940 the demand would have been limited at best. As an example, here's the first badge in full-size, made by F?rster in Wien ca. 1935-45. Note the atypical catch/hinge/pin of this maker as seen on their WW2 badges. This badge is available on our Sales Forum.

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