Cased Bavarian Pilot Badge by Carl Poellath

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Type I - Bayerisches Flugzeugführerabzeichen im Etui by Carl Poellath of Schrobenhausen. The Pilot badge was awarded to those officers, NCO’s and men who have taken the prescribed pilot’s examinations and have completed their instruction with the Flying Corps at a military airbase and have received a certificate of competence as a pilot as decreed by the Inspectorate of Military Air and Transport Troops. It is constructed out of two pieces of die stamped 800 silver. The oval shaped obverse features a flying Rumpler aircraft above a landscape of mountains and buildings that is all surrounded by a half oak leaf and acorn (right), half laurel leaf and berry wreath (left) that is tied together at the bottom with a bowtie ribbon and is all underneath a Bavarian style crown. As is typical with a number of Poellath badges the cross to the top of the orb has broken off. This was a manufacturing flaw and you can see a period photo of a Bavarian pilot with the cross broken off on page 426 of Previtera’s “Imperial Sky Flight Badges of The Imperial German & Bavarian Armies”. The recessed full back reverse of the badge features two vent holes, a soldered on barrel hinge, soldered on c-shaped catch and a rounded wire pin that is maker marked: “C. Poellath” and silver content marked “800”. All of the components continue to work well. The badge measures 1 ¾ inches wide by 2 11/16 inches tall. The badge shows wonderful patina and gorgeous detail. It comes housed in its appropriate issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated marron leatherette. To the front is a round spring loaded closure button. To the back is a staggered, piano hinge. Both continue to function well. The interior-bottom of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a maroon velvet material that outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. The interior top is constructed out of a pearl satin material and has an underlying pad and is underneath “Carl Poellath k. b. Hoflieferant Schrobenhausen” in gold foil. The interior satin hinge has torn ¾ of the way though. The exterior shows minor scuffs. For more information on the badge and case see page 424, 425, 426, 456 and 457 of Previtera’s “Imperial Sky Flight Badges of The Imperial German & Bavarian Armies”. A very desirable piece...