Rare and excellent-condition Flugzeugbeobachterabzeichen (Badge for Aircraft Observation Officers, 1914).
Tombac construction with light patina.
Central translucent red enamel. Laurel and oak wreath surround, ribbon at the bottom, Imperial Crown at the top.
Reverse with soldered tombac hardware and typical so-called “starburst” backplate.
Manufacturer most likely Wilhelm Deumer; produced in the early 1940s.
The badge was instituted by Emperor Wilhelm II for the army on 27 January 1914. It was worn on the left breast. Award requirements included:
1. At least 1,000 km flown by aircraft
2. Successful completion of an aircraft technical assistance examination
3. Passing at least one repeat examination
4. Completion of reconnaissance missions
5. Obtaining an observer officer qualification certificate
