Rare Croatin Radio/Gunner Badge

[Gene]

Pic of said badge in wear

[Gene]

Another, with Croatian, Slovakian and German observer badges on each uniform

[John T]

These badges were mass produced in the 70s/80s/90s in Austria...well actually they were "released" at a rate of about 2 or 3 a month from what I observed. The copies were of the massive construction with newer copies being stamped versions that have been chemically enhanced to give the appearance of age. The cost was the equivilent of about 350 - 400 dollars from what I recall for the massive ones and about 100 dollars for the stamped junk.

I am now seeing these appearing in a gold and silver color, and while I can not say for sure I am a bit leary of the gold/silver versions which are begining to appear with alarming frequency...especially when you consider that no mention is made of this style in any references.

I have just seen a new generation of copy NDH aviation badges that are being contracted for by a US dealer and probably made overseas. They are being sold as copies but are pretty well made. From what I understand he will go into making copies of all of the Axis badges.

The second example has what you would expect to see on NDH aviation badges with regard to the catch/pin/hinge. The first one seems okay also but it is interesting to see a round-wire catch.

John

Nice pix Gene!

PS..keep in mind that if you clean NDH aviation badges you could be taking off the original burnishing.

PPS..the site referenced should not be used as a guage on authentic NDH aviation badges.

[Wolffen]

Think my badge should be ok because I got it off Ndh expert dealer in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1Croatia</ST1</st1:country-region>. He had as well a pilot badge and king Zvonimir badge 3rd class. So think was a vets group that he split up. Because next day I came the pilot badge was gone so had to nab the radio op one fast. About the round wire catch are not rare on ndh awards ex. king Zvonimir second class bage has that tipe order of merit as well is know to have round wire catch. Wide catch are more common on Air force badges because most of award were made by “Braca Knaus"

PS: Thx for picks

[François SAEZ]

Thanks John
Fantastic pics Gene (to be honest, the first I see with this badge worn) - Merci

[Gene]

My pleasure, mon ami

[Tod Rathbone]

More pictures!

First, Gene, it was good to see you and J. at the show. Hope you had an easy drive home.

Second, here are the pics. And even one with the RO badge!

[Wolffen]

Tod, Gene, François THX for the picks and info

And THX To the reast for the info especialy John

Thx again guys!

[François SAEZ]

Tod, after Gene, your turn to make my day - first time I see a picture of one RO worn

Thanks

[Tod Rathbone]

Correct Titles of Badges

One thing I noticed as I went back through my Croatian references is that the large badge with the angled eagle is referred to as an Observer qualification in most non-English reference material. I know that Russ' book calls it a Radio Gunner badge but I am thinking that is incorrect. Especially as I look at the photographs of the guys wearing it and realize all the other country badges they wear are for observers. This actually makes sense as most countries had observers and pilots - an extension of the roles from two-seater planes of the first war. Then as planes enlarged and roles extended, air gunners, radio operators, navigators and bombardiers were added. I have both an Italian reference and a Croatian reference page for this. What is misleading are the lightning bolts which usually indicate radio. But that would be an observer's role as well, no? Then what is the correct title for the badge François just posted? Air crew, radio operator/gunner, other?

Cheers,

Tod

[Tod Rathbone]

More on Croatian Air Force Badges

Here are the Italian reference pages I referred to earlier. Thanks to Ernesto Vitetti for these great images. Please translate if you can.

[Tod Rathbone]

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[Tod Rathbone]

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