The Observer’s Badge (Prussia)

• Time Period: The Great War
• Institution: 27 February 1913
• Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Observer’s Badge (or Beobachterabzeichen in German) is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to qualified Imperial German Observers during WWI.

Silver qualification badges were approved by the German Air Service shortly before the start of the First World War. Most wartime crews wore the Prussian designs, with minor changes to the badges worn by Bavarians. There were also variations in quality, particularly between issued versions and those purchased privately.

The Observer’s Badge Design

The badge measures 72.36 mm x 45.47 mm and is struck in silvered brass. In all of the Imperial German Army flight qualification badges, the outside perimeter is surrounded by a wreath. The left side has laurel leaves symbolizing victory, while the right side has oak leaves signifying strength and hardiness. The bow joining them together at the bottom signifies the joining of these two qualities.

The Observer’s badge carries an enameled flag of the German tactical symbol for an Army Corps. Issued badges were thinly stamped and silvered or silver-washed metal. Privately purchased examples can be found in hollow two-piece construction or single massive silver stampings.

The enameled square insignia consists of white, black, and red enamels mounted to the center of the badge via two hooks on the reverse. The insignia is placed within a bed of sun rays and a wreath consisting of oak and laurel leaves, and with a bow on the bottom, and a Prussian crown on the top of the wreath.