Cased Luftwaffe Pilot Badge by GWL

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

A Luftwaffe Flugzeugführerabzeichen im Etui by Grebüder Wegerhoff of Lüdenscheid. 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 “GWL”. The reverse also features a soldered on block hinge, soldered on catch, round wire pin and two tombak 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 appropriate and rare GWL issue case. This case will be featured in an upcoming pilot badge reference. 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 - Abzeichen.”. The interior-bottom of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a spray on blue felt material that outlines a pin, hinge and catch assembly. The interior top is covered in that a lighter blue spray on felt material. The inside cloth hinge is broken. The case shows only minor aging. The case measures approximately 3 3/16 inches wide and deep and 1 inch thick. A great matching assembly!