BACKGROUND: The Observer’s qualification badge was introduced by Hermann Göring on March 26TH 1936 for award to Observers, Navigators and Bombardiers who had met the required criteria. The Observer’s badge was awarded on an individual basis and criteria for bestowal included five operational flights over enemy territory or a minimum of two months active service. As with other flyer’s specialty badges a cloth version of the Observer’s Badge was authorized for wear on the flight blouse with a machine embroidered pattern for EM/NCO’s and a hand embroidered pattern for Officer’s.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 75mm square, 25mm thick, wood and cardboard construction issue case with a dark blue simulated leather covering. The top lid has impressed Gothic script, "Beobachterabz". The case has a fold back top lid with a staggered, magnetic bar hinge to the reverse and a push button locking device to the obverse. The interior of the case has two shades of blue flocking lining. The interior bottom lining has a cut-out recess to secure the hinge, pin and catch assembly of the badge. The case is in overall very good condition with minimal chafe wear to the exterior and light to moderate age toning to the interior linings. Nice original for a later war zinc type.