Cased Pilot Badge by BSW

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Luftwaffe Awards > Pilot Badge

A Flugzeugführerabzeichen im Etui by Bruder Schneider A.G. of Wien (1939-42). The Luftwaffe pilot badge was awarded upon completing flight training and received their license. It is constructed out of two pieces of die struck nickel-silver that have been black burnished and silver washed. The obverse features a blackened centrally placed swooping Luftwaffe eagle with outstretched wings clutching a mobile swastika in its talons. Behind the eagle attached at the wings is a half laurel leaf and berry, half oak leaf and acorn wreath that is tied together at the bottom. The reverse is correctly maker marked “BSW” inside of a downward clover leaf. The reverse also shows two rivets, a soldered on barrel hinge, soldered on round wire catch and a round wire pin. The hinge-pin has been replaced (likely in the period). All of the components continue to work well. The obverse displays beautiful details throughout especially with the hand enhanced eagle. It measures approximately 2 1/2 inches wide by 2 1/8 inches tall. The badge comes housed in its appropriate BSW issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained blue leather (Lederimitat). To the front is a round steel spring loaded push button. To the back are two plated steel, staggered, piano hinges. To the very top is a gold foil Gothic style script which reads: “Flugzeugführerabz.”. The interior-bottom of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a light blue felt material that outlines a pin, hinge and catch assembly, surrounded by a white cardboard border. The interior top is covered in a blue cotton above a pad. The case shows age scuffs and below the push button the leather seam is torn. The case measures approximately 3 1/16 inches wide by 3 1/16 inches deep and 1 inch thick. A good matching assembly!