Prussian Retired Pilots Badge

[paul w]

Hi, I believe this badge is a Prussian Retired Naval Pilots badge,It is approx. 50 mm in height, there are striations on the reverse of the badge, the pin clasp is straightened because the badge had been fitted to a small wooden plaque, the pin going through a hole at the top, the straightened clasp through a hole at the bottom. I have searched for pictures to compare it with but was only able to find one and that was obverse only, the pin could be seen through the badge and appeared flatter and wider then this one. Were retired pilot badges issued in the 1930s and if so could this be such a badge, or is it a copy/fake, any information would be appreciated, many thanks,

Paul

[paul w]

Two more pics of the reverse.

[VtwinVince]

Hi Paul,

It's actually the Naval Aviator's Commemorative Badge. These things are a real minefield, and were awarded in very small numbers, but I think yours has potential. It exhibits the characteristics of the so-called 'folded wing' design made by Schaper. The pin is clearly a replacement, and the cross on top of the crown is missing, which is often seen. On balance, I think you have a real find on your hands.

[Ferg 1]

I would say Schaper made piece ,I have one like it. As far as I am aware there were four different variants of the eagle style . The wreaths also vary in thickness ,some are very thin and often have reinforcing plates on reverse that bridge the thin area between the top of wreath and crown ,others like this one ( and mine ) are thicker and have no need for strengthening . Some even have the characteristic top loop on the reverse of crown.
Ferg

[paul w]

Guys thank you very much for the replies, I work at a small auction house in the U.K., this badge is part of a small grouping to a German pilot called Ernst Sprenger. The group includes Sprengers pre WW1 International Pilot Federation membership book, an Imperial and Third Reich medal ribbon bar and four photos , one with another pilot dated 1915, one of Sprenger at his wedding in the uniform of a Lieutenant in the German Navy and wearing the aviator badge in question (or one like it) and a final one of Sprenger in the uniform of a Luftwaffe Oberstleutnant again wearing the aviator badge and also the medal ribbons bar which include the Iron cross 2nd class, 1914-18 Honour Cross with swords, Luftwaffe 4 and 12 year long service medals, 1st October 1938 entry into Czechoslovakia medal. The badge as stated was attached to a small wooden desk plaque and was at first assumed to be a copy, it was removed from the plaque very easily (or it would have been left in place) so that the reverse could be checked. It just seemed improbable that this item wouldn't be correct, maybe later issue ,bearing in mind the other items in the group which is why I posted it here, I'm very grateful for the information received,

Regards,

Paul

[jaba-the-hunt]

Interesting group. Ernst Sprenger was an navy engineer who entered the navy 1903. He entered the navy aviation when it was established 1913 and was trained as pilot 1913 at Johannithal. Later trained to see pilot and awarded with the navy see pilot badge on 6th Aug. 1915.

Kind regards
Alex