Place | Europe: Germany, Prussia |
---|---|
Accession Number | REL/17018 |
Collection type | Heraldry |
Object type | Badge |
Physical description | Silver |
Maker |
Unknown |
Place made | Germany |
Date made | 1914-1918 |
Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Prussian pilot's qualification badge : German Air Service
Silver hollow Prussian pilot's breast badge, with backing plate and broad pin fitting. The badge features a Taube, an early military monoplane, flying over a countryside scene, surrounded by a wreath. The wreath features laurel leaves [victory] on one side and oak leaves [strength] on the other. the wreath is finished in a bow at the bottom, and is surmounted by an Imperial crown. The backing plate is stamped with an unknown manufacturer's mark and a 900 silver content stamp.
Silver qualification badges were approved by the German Air Service shortly before the start of the First World War. Most wartime crews wore the Prussian designs, with minor changes to the badges worn by Bavarians. There were also variations in quality, particularly between issued versions and those purchased privately.