GWL Pilot with silver eagle?

[Hans Kondor]

Hi guys,

I saw this badge for sale on a militaria site and would like to ask your opinion.
Have you ever seen a Pilot GWL eagle with silver finish? Or it was darkened just someone clean it down?

[Tim Calvert]

I don't believe it was cleaned. The frosting on the wreath you posted is in excellent condition.

Also, I have a match for it. Same type of lighter colored finish. I guess it's possible it was marketed for the summer uniform.

[Hans Kondor]

I don't believe it was cleaned. The frosting on the wreath you posted is in excellent condition.

Also, I have a match for it. Same type of lighter colored finish. I guess it's possible it was marketed for the summer uniform.

Thank you Tim for your reply, interesting I have never heard about that before.

[Tim Calvert]

Just a theory developed after seeing some early Juncker pilot and RO/AGs that seemed to have an all silver factory finish.

[AFF96]

Thanks guys for posting the 2 beautiful badges...I have never seen them before..very interesting!
Thanks again,
Greg

[Rich G]

You sure it hasn't been in the silver dip? It wouldn't affect the wreath frosting but it might have an adverse affect on the eagles finish...

Rich

[Me109G]

Hi Janos,

IMHO I do not think this badge has been touched up or cleaned. I have seen a few examples just like the one you have shown.

Cheers,
David

[Me109G]

Hi Janos,
Further to my previous post, what you could be seeing IMO is the camera flash or some other form of artificial lighting reflecting off the finish on the eagle. This I believe is what is giving the eagle that "silver" look you are referring to. Maybe you could ask the dealer for some photos of this badge in a more natural light.

Cheers,
David

[Hans Kondor]

Hello David,
thank you for your comments.I don't want to buy the badge just was concerned, becauste I have never seen one before.Unique piece for sure.

[Larry Lipps]

Sorry guys, but I don't buy the rivets, (which appear to have been manipulated) or possibly the maker's mark where the ring break appears to be a break, not a flaw. Lastly, there's no trace of the fingerprint pattern. I question whether this is a repo eagle mated to an original wreath. A couple photos to help make the point.

[Tim Calvert]

Hi Larry,

Here is a back shot of mine. I don't have access to it at the moment, but I think I see some fingerprint. Not sure we've gotten to the conclusion that any GWL pilots w/o the fingerprint are bad anyway?
You can see the textbook rivets.

[Tim Calvert]

Here is a similar one GDM sold a while back...
Also a shot of the hallmark, you can see the fingerprint on this example.
Unfortunately these are the only shots I have of that one.

The only thing I am trying to point out is that the lighter colored eagles seem to be fine.

[Mike Kenny]

The badge is question look totally fine and unmessed with to me. "Caramel" coloured eagles on GWL Pilot's and Observer's Badges are well known. Imo a nice original.

Regards
Mike

[juoneen]

Could someone have tried to bend the swas. Seems to have a tool mark in the middle,(on the back of photo 11's swas) and in the photo # one shows stress to the finish where the swas is tweaked a little below where the feel hold it ...just an observation. (did anybody else notice that) Doesnt look broken or anything, and dont feel it may effect value.
I like the extre frosting on this one.

[David R.]

Looks to be a 100% badge IMO. It would make a great addition to any ones collection! As Mike states below GWL are well known for there Silver colored eagles.

David R.

The badge is question look totally fine and unmessed with to me. "Caramel" coloured eagles on GWL Pilot's and Observer's Badges are well known. Imo a nice original.

Regards
Mike