Very Strange Bavarian Retired Pilot's Badge

[Jamz]

Hi: At least that's what I think it is, or supposed to be anyway...
It measures about 49mm X 30 mm.
What do y'all think??? Thanks, John

[Jamz]

Here it is...

[Jamz]

back...

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side...

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last...

[Don D.]

Looks like a Prussian crown to me.

[Jamz]

Yeah, it's been a while since I read up on this thing. Probably is Prussian. It is seen on page 39 in Detlev's 2004 book.
Isn't this a smaller size than the more known examples? There are no markings, I expected to see DRGM but no, not there.
So... any ideas? Real? Commemorative for civilian wear?
Thanks again for any help. John

[Ferg 1]

This is known as a halbgrosse or half-size piece. This particular type is seen quite often (derittmeister has three of them) and I have never really been very sure of them. They appear in solid silvered buntmetal,solid silver and as is yours, stamped hollow type. They could well be OK as probably a 1920's/1930's piece but they don't rest easily with me. ferg1.

[Jamz]

Yeah, that's it. Found it on Derrittermeister.
Info greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys. John

[VtwinVince]

I'm with Ferg on this one, eagle appears crudely attached, and the crown details don't appear too good either. I'd stick with the full-size version from a known manufacturer.

[Mike Dwyer]

Small technical point: Heraldically speaking that is not a Prussian crown on the badge, it is the Imperial crown of the German Empire. The Prussian crown as portrayed in artwork, government documents, medals, etc. looks pretty much like the crowns of the other German kingdoms although the real crown was a bit different.