WWI Pilot Badge

[Fred Borgmann]

I bought my first Imperial Badge back in 1974 and this is it. The pin was detached and maybe a replacement. I reattached it with liquid solder. The badge is hollow with a fitted back plate and looks like it could be made of German silver. There is no hallmark but there is an engraved number 114674 on the back. Any observations or opinions would be welcome. Thanks, Fred

[Fred Borgmann]

Here is the reverse. The color is not as dull as on the scan and the laurel leaves on the viewer's left are in higher relief than the oak leaves on the viewer's right.

[jaba-the-hunt]

Looks good to me. Not sure if it is made of silver but good hollow piece. I think the catch is also replaced.

The number can be the number of the order of the Kommandierenden General der Luftstreitkräfte for bestowal of this badge.

Regards Alex

[Fred Borgmann]

Thanks Alex. As long as I have posted this one I will also post the other one I have. This one came from a Dallas area coin dealer about 30 years ago who made it very clear that he knew nothing about it but that someone told him it was not genuine. I liked the looks of it and bought it anyway. It is a hollow strike without backing. Looks like it is silver washed bronze and the color of the silver looks right for the time period. The pin looks like those on wound badges. My feeling is that it could be a 1920's replacement or wearing copy. Again any opinions and observations are welcome.

[Fred Borgmann]

And here is the reverse.

[VtwinVince]

Fred, those are both excellent, original examples. Very nice

[Fred Borgmann]

Thanks Vince!

[ChrisH]

YES , i like it this two too

[Fred Borgmann]

Danke Chris!

[jaba-the-hunt]

I look through my documents and i'm sure the number is the number of the bestowal order of KoGenLuft. I have a document for a army pilot badge from 15.09.1918 and this has the number 132982.
Another documnt from 23.07.1916 has the number 50755 at this time signed by Feldflugchef.

Regards Alex

[DaveG]

And here is the reverse.

I have a Bavarian pilot's badge, marked "800" on the pin made in this same form, which I've heard referred to as the "cliche" method. Are these hollow-backed specimens issue pieces or private purchase?

Nice badge.

Dave

[Fred Borgmann]

I look through my documents and i'm sure the number is the number of the bestowal order of KoGenLuft. I have a document for a army pilot badge from 15.09.1918 and this has the number 132982.
Another documnt from 23.07.1916 has the number 50755 at this time signed by Feldflugchef.

Regards Alex

Thanks again Alex. That really narrows down the time of issue. Fred

[tgn]

Are these hollow-backed specimens issue pieces or private purchase? Dave

Dave,
It is my understanding that the hollow back versions are the issue pieces, whereas the more elaborate two-piece silver ones are private purchased, both during and after the war (WW1, that is).

Tom

[Gary B]

Dave,
It is my understanding that the hollow back versions are the issue pieces, whereas the more elaborate two-piece silver ones are private purchased, both during and after the war (WW1, that is).

Tom

Dear Dave,

I agree with Tom's statement.

Gary B

[jaba-the-hunt]

I´m not sure wich are awarded and wich private purchase. To answer this question we need information from the owner.

Regards Alex