Bird of Prey

[Matthew]

After a turbulent flight and much anticipation the newest addition to my Imperial Fleet finally arrived.
cheers
Matt

[Matthew]

two more

Gotta love the details that went into making those little things...

[Matthew]

rainbow

The rainbow effect when exposed to the natural sun is just unbelievable...

[Ferg 1]

Beautiful badge Matt, but I would say that ! Ferg

[DDCOOK]

Stunning example Matt!!!

Any possibility of seeing the reverse side?

Congrats on landing this beauty.

Dan

[Matthew]

Gunner

Thanks guys,

Been hunting one of those for a while- not the easiest badge to find (original, anyways). Really has that "been there look" to it that some of us like.
cheers
Matt

[Matthew]

addiction

Gee, I should really lay off buying badges and get a decent camera instead.
But the addiction...
cheers
Matt

[DDCOOK]

Thanks for the photos Matt.

You are not joking...originals of this example are exceedingly rare. I am still looking for one for my collection.

Again congrats on a super badge.

Dan

[Jelle M.]

Very nice badge

[Matthew]

tailgunner

Thank you kindly Gentlemen for you warm comments. It was due to a fortunate circumstances and this forum that I was able to add this to my collection and as hard as it was to find it- I have a feeling that Marine Air Service badges might prove to be even harder. Fortunately the chase is part of the fun!
cheers
Matt

[Brian L.]

Although I long ago stopped collecting these, I had 2 of this exact model in my collection 30 years ago. I'm sure guys hate hearing stories about..."I had this and I had that...", But, I'm just relating this story to emphasize how rare and how pricey these have always been, especially dealer prices.

I picked my two up for £100 each at the Charing Cross Militaria Flea Market that used to be under Charing Cross Train Station, ever Saturday morning in the 1980s. It was always a place to find hidden gems for amazing prices.

A few months later, when I decided to not collect flight badges any more, I sold the two Air Gunner Badges to Adrian Forman for £900 and he sold the pair quickly in his catalogue within a few weeks for £1400.

This is at a time when you could pick up genuine Junker Army Pilot's or Observer's badges for £100.

So, this has always been the toughest badge to get, and has always commanded premium prices.

Yours is a real beauty.