Bulgaria Interwar Observer Badge

[Theodor]

Let me show the latest addition to the collection, an interwar Observer badge! The pilot badge is for comparison, it represents the usual construction, hollow silver. The Observer badge is very extraordinary, nearly one of a kind - 3 piece, cutout construction! And original nevertheless. Silver frame and gold plated brass center. The crown has been lost, but I like it anyway!

Edited October 9, 2013 by Theodor

[new world]

very nice catch!

Can you post photo of the reverse?

[Chris Liontas]

awesome badge!!! What were they flying at this time??? What date is the badge? 1920's? or 1930's?

[Theodor]

This is the back side. The pilot badge is named and dated 1928, but I can say nothing for the observer badge. Just the period can be framed, from a couple of years after the end of WW1, until 1935-36. More likely 20s, being so extraordinary. But who knows!

What they flew: right after the WW1, all Bulgarian Air Force aircraft were cut to pieces and the country had no right to have an air force at all. So in the next 15 or so years, it existed more or less secretly. The first aircraft was a WW1 Fokker, hidden in a village to evade being cut. It was fllowed by 2 machines, built from the cut pieces of WW1 planes. In 1924-26 were delivered not large numbers of Potez, Henriot, Cauldrone, Bristoll aircraft, also 2 Macci flying boats. Bulgaria could purchase only from the WW1 winners, only unarmed aircraft and with very limited engine power. In 1925 started the production of Bulgarian aircraft, various models, mostly training. Only in the 2nd half of the 1930's some modern aircraft were delivered and the number increased. In 1937 the Air Force, which existed anyway, was officially restored as a part of the Armed Forces and was given battle flags.

[ruiz]

Very impressive badge !!! congrats.

[Theodor]

Another similar one was seen recently, but I think it is fake. Too new, no sign of wear to the surface or any patina, just see those nice new prongs, holding the central piece to the wreath. Bad quality casting, just see the incomplere circle for the left prong on the back side and the rough surfaces. Another thing I don't like, the central piece has been not cast and then drilled, but cast the way it is, with the holes. I don't insist I am right, but I don't like it at all. And some indirect clues - comfortably poorly identified, comfortably low priced, with the option for even lower offer.

Tried to compare with mine, it seems these two are different patterns, different in the small details.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Alter-Orden-evtl-Bulgarien-/251390778112?pt=Militaria&hash=item3a880edb00

Edited December 9, 2013 by Theodor