Cased Luftwaffe Beobachterabzeichen by Assmann, 1936-45
Price: Sold
Description: This badge is a very nice early (ca. 1936-41) tombak piece, it’s nicely maker marked with the logo ‘A’ for the company F.W. Assmann & Sohn, Lüdenscheid. Classic Assmann ‘nipple’ rivets and brass hardware for strength. The badge shows great finish and stunning details that rival even Junker pieces; In its original case of issuance of blue grained leatherette over wood. Steel piano-style hinge and front button clasp; case has “Beobachterabz” embossed in silver on lid.
This badge is really an outstanding example of an early badge. There were only 6 known makers of these badges.
Background: WH (Luftwaffe) ‘Beobachterabzeichen’ (Observer Badge). The Observer’s badge was one of the first badges for which ‘Reichsmarchall Hermann Göring’ gave specifications for. Although these provisions were published on 27 November 1935, the badge was not actually instituted until 26 March 1936. The badge was awarded after completion of two month qualifying service, after five operational flights as observer, or if the recipient was wounded while posted as observer (prior to the completion of the 5 flights).
