Beautiful WWI Imperial Bavarian Air Force M1914 Observer Badge in 800 "Silber" by Karl Poellath

Here we have a Rare, Beautiful, and Iconic example of the x000D WWI Imperial Bavarian Air Force M1914 Observer Badge in 800 silver by the x000D badge's premier maker: Karl Poellath of Schrobenhausen. This badge bears the x000D earlier "SILBER" marking as opposed to the "800" silver content mark used x000D later.

If only this badge could tell us its story! The one relayed x000D to me, sans any names sadly, is that it came from the son of a WWII US Army x000D Interrogator. It was amidst the mostly Nazi era badges that he had "liberated" from the subjects of his interrogations. Obviously, at the time of "liberation", it was still proudly being worn by a high ranking, most likely x000D Luftwaffe, Officer.

At some point during its period of wear, the unusually x000D poorly-designed bent over prong affixment (which were prone to breakage) of the x000D central enameled panel had been skillfully riveted on by an advanced jeweler. x000D Not only does this not detract form the badge, but it gives it a more x000D appropriate finished appearance. Amazingly, the original, DELICATE, cross x000D stands tall and straight at top. The badge has some light scratching to the x000D central enameled panel, which does not detract, and has just a lovely overall x000D patina.

This badge would be a standout in any WWI German Aviation x000D Badge Collection. 

World War I.

Approximately 2-7/8" in height x 1-3/4" in width.

800 silver, with hard fired white, black and red enamel.

Vertical T- pin with C catch.

This is from a Imperial German Aviation collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MAJJJM22 LDDGEX07/13/22 SDJJJX02/24/23

8+ (Excellent): Minor wear and tarnishing, and nice patina.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.