- Time Period: The Great War
- Institution: 27 January 1913
- Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)
The Pilot’s Badge (or Flugzeugführerabzeichen in German) is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia instituted on 27 January 1913 by the King of Prussia and the Emperor of the German Empire Wilhelm II in conjunction with his birthday.
The badge was awarded to officers, NCOs and enlisted men upon successful graduation from the flying schools and passing two practical flight examinations (that consisted of unassisted takeoff and landing as well as long-distance or a cross-country flight). The badges were presented by local air station commanders.
At some point during the war, and because stamped metal badges become scarce, it’s believed only certificates were issued and aircrew were required to purchase their own badges. While issued badges are thinly stamped and silvered (or silver-washed, an economical alternative) metal, privately purchased examples can be found in hollow two-piece construction or single massive silver stampings.
The Pilot’s Badge Design
The badge measures 46.00 mm (width) by 70.60 mm (height), weighs 13.5 grams 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 top of the badge mounts either a Preußen (Prussian) crown or a Bayern (Bavaria) crown. These badges were manufactured by C.E. Juncker (Berlin), Meybauer or Pollath and worn on or below the left breast pocket lower than the Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class.
The obverse bears a standard pilot’s badge motive within a wreath, with laurel leaves towards the left side of the wreath, and oak leaves towards the right side of the wreath, separated by a bow on the bottom of the wreath, ordained by the Prussian crown at the top.
The reverse is hallowed and has a vertical needle pinback with a barrel hinge and a round wire catch.
