- Time Period: The Great War
- Institution: 23 February 1915
- Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)
The Naval Observer’s Badge (Beobachter der Fliegertruppe der Marine) is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia introduced in 1915 by the King of Prussia and the Emperor of the German Empire Wilhelm II.
The badge was awarded to naval observers who successfully passed series of theoretical and practical examinations upon completion of the special training. Operational requirements for naval observers were by far more strict than those for army personnel.
The Naval Observer’s Badge Design
The badge measures approximately 48mm wide and 74mm high and is made of guilded medal. It weighs 58.2 grams.
It has a shape of a vertical oval with an outside perimeter surrounded by a wide wreath. Its left side has laurel leaves symbolizing victory and its right side had oak leaves standing for strength and hardiness. Both were joined together with a ribbon bow at the bottom thus signifying a combination of those two qualities. Imperial crown topped the badge.
The obverse of the badge carries an image of an eagle with lowered wings sitting on a rock and facing left. The background shows a sea with rising or descending sun and clouds above. The reverse is either plain or carries an image of multiple straight rays radiating from the center.
Depending on the manufacturer, the badge differs in certain details (for example, some had crown inserts and lower ribbon fragments cut out). The manufacturers’ hallmarks and silver standards were often found on the reverse or the pin.
