Luftwaffe Gold Reconnaissance Squadron Clasp, (1941 Frontflugspange für Aufklärer)
Price: $650
BUY / RESERVE THIS ITEMDescription: Early die-struck, two piece, nickel-silver (tombak) construction clasp with gilt and burnished silver finishes. The clasp is in the form of a gilt washed, central, circular, laurel leaf wreath, with a static swastika superimposed to the bottom center, encompassing a burnished silver washed, left profile, stylized eagle’s head. The clasp has three, gilt washed, overlapping, parallel rows of oak-leaves extending horizontally outward from either side of the central wreath. The central stylized eagle’s head is secured to the clasp by a single, small, dome headed rivet which is visible on the reverse. 99% gilt finish remains; Untouched w/ original hinge, pin & catch assembly; Unmarked but a beauty!
BACKGROUND: The Reconnaissance, Air/Sea Rescue & Meteorological Operational Flying Clasp was introduced by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on January 30TH 1941, along with two other clasps, in a series of eight that were instituted at different points through-out the war to recognize the increasing number of operational flights achieved by specialized Luftwaffe personnel. All eight of the clasps were awarded in three grades of, Bronze for twenty operational flights, Silver for sixty operational flights, and Gold for one hundred ten operational flights. By mid-1942 many pilots and aircrew were surpassing the number of operational flights required for award of the clasps, so on June 26th 1942, Göring introduced a starburst pendant device to recognize operational flights of over one hundred and ten with a prescribed number of operational flights required for award depending on the type of clasp. In the case of the Reconnaissance, Air/Sea Rescue and Meteorological clasp three hundred operational flights were necessary for the award of the starburst pendant.
