BACKGROUND: The Pilot’s Qualification Badge was originally introduced on January 19TH 1935 for award to personnel of the DLV, Deutscher Luftsportsverband Fliegerschaft, (German Air Sports Association Pilot Base), the secret forerunner of the Luftwaffe, who had achieved their pilot's licenses. The badge was officially adopted by the Luftwaffe on March 26TH 1936, by order of Hermann Göring. The Pilot’s Badge was awarded on an individual basis to personnel who had successfully completed the appropriate theory and flight training and had achieved their pilot's license. As with most military and civilian awards of the Third Reich period miniature version lapel pins were permitted for wear on civilian clothing. These miniature awards were private purchase items and could only be purchased by individuals with the proper ownership documentation. General regulations, with a few minor exceptions, permitted wear of three miniature awards at one time but prohibited the mixing of military and civilian awards on one lapel pin. Of Note: The LDO, Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller, (Administration of German Medal Manufacturers), began regulating the manufacture of German awards, including lapel pins, in March 1941 as a quality control agent for awards that were intended for retail sale.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, die struck alloy construction, two piece, miniature, exact replica Pilot’s Badge lapel pin. Wreath is 16mm tall. Complete with its original 50mm rifled pin.