Pilots badge with diamonds

[Tim Calvert]

Why would an authentic period purchased copy have an "L" number (such as L/12 on an RK), but a P/O with diamonds have "IMIT" on the back?

[Gordon Williamson]

My interest in most Luft badges is somewhat less than zero, but I believe this one was instituted in 1935. The LDO wasn't in existence then so it couldn't carry an L/ number. In any case if this was within the gift of the CinC Luftwaffe to bestow, it would be like the KM diamonds badges, a privately comissioned piece over which the LDO would have no control.

[W. C. Stump]

Originally posted by Tim Calvert
Why would an authentic period purchased copy have an "L" number (such as L/12 on an RK), but a P/O with diamonds have "IMIT" on the back?

One must understand that the Pilot Observer's Badge with Diamonds was a private bestowal by Hermann Goring. The "wearing copy" marked "IMIT" is a badge produced for everyday wear and most assuredly approved by Goring. All issued badges were produced in real gold platinum and diamonds by a German jeweler(s). The wearing copy was produced in Austria. As Gordon said, the badge did not fall under the LDO regulations and for two reasons. Being instituted in 1935 the LDO had not been organized and even after the LDO was in operation, many badges being bestowed during this time, it manufacture was not covered by the LDO regulations being a private purchase badge.

[W. C. Stump]

RUDOLF STUBIGER

Looking through my old files of earlier this year I cam across this bit of information about the life of the Austrian Jeweler, Rudolf Stubiger. I have tried and failed to locate him or his family in Austria thus far.

"Mr. Stübiger was born in Vienna on October 19th, 1889 and was self-employed from November 13rd, 1923 to May 25th, 1962.

If anyone has any contacts in Austria maybe they could see if any new information can be brought forth.

[merdock]

Diamonds revisited.
Are you there Chris.

Merdock