A Luftwaffe Observer’s badge; two-piece construction; silvered tombac oval wreath with laurel wreaths towards the left side and oak leaves towards the right side, separated by three small ribbon-like loops on the bottom, with a large patinated eagle with spread-out wings superimposed on the badge, appearing as if it was attacking a mobile swastika; two rivets on the reverse; vertical needle style pinback with a barrel hinge - the catch is missing. Maker marked on the reverse SOG within a triangle.
The Observer Badge (Beobachterabzeichen) was a German military decoration that was awarded before and during World War II to members of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). They qualified for the badge after completing two months of qualifying service and five operational flights in the role of observer, navigator or bombardier; also, it could be awarded after a member of the German Air Force was wounded while acting in the capacity of an observer during a qualifying flight. It was worn on the left breast tunic pocket of an air force or political uniform tunic. A citation was issued with the awarded badge. Thereafter, Luftwaffe service personnel who had already been awarded the Pilot’s Badge and Observer’s Badge could qualify for the Pilot/Observer Badge.
After 31 July 1944 the regulations were changed and the recipient had to have held both qualification certificates for at least one year to qualify for the Pilot/Observer Badge. The badge was approved in November 1935 and first issued on 26 March 1936.
5cm x 4cm
*Condition*
This badge is in fair condition, missing its pin. Please see the photographs as part of the condition report.
