I have always found the wording of the regulation for this badge confusing. Perhaps I am wrong, but my best interpretation is that the badge was primarily meant for WWI flyers who were no longer in a flight status for one reason or another. Keep in mind that the German air force was completely disbanded after the war. Many former aviators who stayed in the military between the wars were assigned to other branches, or served in one of the para-military type units (NSFK etc etc). These guys would have probably been the ones to wear this badge. Why doesn't it show up in photos? I think the answer is that the WWI pattern badges were more popular than the Nazis cared to admit. I think the intent was to provide a replacement for the Imperial flight badges, but most veterans chose to wear their WWI pieces anyway, as seen in photos. The other thing to remember is that we are looking at this badge with perfect hind sight. When it was developed in the 30s, the assumption was that the 3rd Reich would last forever, so eventually there would be a need to issue the badge to WWII era fliers as well. I believe the qualification was 4 years service in a flight status for WWI fliers, 15 for everyone else with special conditions for WIA and KIA. Given the abrupt end of the TR in 1945, the only people who would have ever qualified were the ones in the category I mentioned above. WWII fliers like Rudel who were wounded were not retired from flight status, so wouldn't have qualified either. The KIA bit is also in the regulation, but I have never seen this badge or it's award document in a WWII KIA grouping...don't know why. Now thinking about it, even the four year requirement for WWI fliers would have created a pretty exclusive group, owing to the fact that the guy would had to been a flier from 1914 to 1918. Many aviators began the war on the ground and transferred to flight duties later. Bottom line. Not many people would have qualified for this badge during the Third Reich.
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Last edited by Luftm40; 09-25-2003, 06:05 PM. -
I have never see this badge being worn. I am sure the collector world would like to see just one.Comment
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Reverse.Comment
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very interesting thread!
i have a juncker marked fliegererrinnerungabzeichen WITHOUT swaz...
found it at a table a small show about two years ago, and did not pay
much for it. it is very well made, and fills a spot in my luft badges which
has a low likelihood of being filled with the real mccoy. SO..??..
1) did they make a 1957 model??
2)would a post war have had the juncker stamp? weren't they bombed out
at some point during one of the eighth air forces visits to berlin??
this pin is a real sweetie, and given the pricetag on the real ones, here it
stays. any thoughts on the above questions??
thanks! jdcComment
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A 1957 reissue was made. They cost around $50.00. One is for sale by Andre Husken for Euro 44.Last edited by W. C. Stump; 09-25-2003, 08:16 PM.Comment
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Here is the obverse and reverse of my badge:
YuriComment
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.......and the reverse.Comment
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Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the input.
@Andy, I think your explanation makes perfect sence and would explain why the badge is so rarely encountered.
@Jos, You have a point concerning the construction technique of the badge being of a lower quality than other Luftwaffe badges, but personnaly I can't imagin that a Luftwaffe award collection can ever be complete without having one.
Untill know we discussed the history and award criteria of this badge. What about the 2 zink badges shown in this thread? Do we all agree that these are pre-45? Except for the buntmetall and alu Juncker marked badges, did anybody ever see other makers on this badge? What about the 2 zinkers here, is it save to assume that both are unmarked Juncker badges? I think hinge and catch certainly point in that direction.
Frank why don't you post your badge in this thread too. I know you have some doubts about it , but taken in to account that it has the same eagle and the exact same setup in combination with what seems to be an other alloy, it can only make this thread more interesting.
KR
PhilippeComment
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Alright, here it is. I am looking for an original of this badge for quite some time. here is one I acquired long ago and I had another one void of any finish too that I rejected when it was sent to me.
This one I show here never made it into my display cases, I always assumed it is a good copy, but hell I would like to be wrong. Strangely enough, it matches the badge shown by Philippe to a T as far as the obverse design is concerned.
The reverse has the exact same setup as seen on all other zink badges here. The rim of the wreath has filemarks on the reverse in contrast to other zink badges.
I would be interested to see side views of your badges, especially Yuri´s. How thick are your badges?
Cheers, FrankCheers, Frank
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revCheers, Frank
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Have you guys seen the IMM article on the zinc variations of this badge by Christian v. Tettinek?
YuriComment
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Sorry Yuri
Neither IMM or Mr. V.Tettinek ring a bell here. Please bring me in to the light.
Concerning Frank's badge, I don't like the filling and the soft look but if it is a copy than the one I posted is one too. The hinge pin an catch are an exact match down to the little die flaw running horizontal over the catch
KR
PhilippeComment
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Please, please Yuri, post a pic of the side of your badge.
In the meantime, here is something for your amusement!
Cheers, FrankCheers, Frank
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Very nice Frank,
Now I know what you'r doing in your spare time
Keep practising, You will improve
KR
PhilippeComment
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The badge Frank and Philippe show, look to have the same pin and hinge as the OM pilots badges. Possibly the maker?? An just who is OM
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