What is "A" on Glider Proficiency Lapel Pin?

[dc9]

Hello All,

Found this nicely maker marked and low serial # Civil Glider Proficiency Lapel Pin that I assume is pre-1946. Curious if anyone knows what the "A" stands for on the obverse.

Thanks,

Eric

[dc9]

Photos

[HPL2008]

It means the badge is from Austria.

All glider badges except those from Germany* bear a letter code identifying the country where the badge was issued. It's the same international letter code as used as a prefix for aircraft registration numbers. (For example, glider badges from the USA have an "N".)

Currently, Austria is assigned "OE"; "A" is an obsolete code used up until the Austrian annexation in 1938.


*) German glider badges bear no letter code except for badges from the GDR, which had the letters "DDR" to distinguish them from West German ones:

[JAL]

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=864782

[dc9]

It means the badge is from Austria.


Currently, Austria is assigned "OE"; "A" is an obsolete code used up until the Austrian annexation in 1938.

Excellent! Pre-war. Thank you both!

Eric