Cased Pilot Badge by B&NL

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

A Luftwaffe Flugzeugführerabzeichen im Etui by Berg & Nolte of Lüdenscheid (1940-42). 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 / tombak based that has been black burnished and silver plated. The obverse features a blackened centrally placed massive swooping Luftwaffe eagle with outstretched wings clutching a mobile swastika in its talons. The eagle is the attached, at the wings, to 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 “B&N L” (Berg & Nolte, Lüdenscheid). The reverse also features a soldered on barrel hinge, soldered on round wire catch, round wire pin and two rivets. The obverse displays beautiful details throughout the eagle and wreath. It measures approximately 2 1/2 inches wide by 2 1/8 inches tall. The badge comes housed in its 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 is a gilded steel, staggered, piano hinge. To the very top is a gold foil Gothic style script which reads: “Luftwaffen flugzeugführer abz.”. The interior-bottom of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a spray on purple felt material that outlines a pin, hinge and catch assembly. The interior top is covered in that same spray on purple felt material. The case shows age scuffs to the exterior and the interior hinge is torn. The case measures approximately 3 inches wide by 3 3/16 inches deep and 1 inch thick. A great matching assembly!