The Luftwaffe Observer Badge
The Observer Badge was an activity badge of the German Air Force during World War II. It was established in Berlin on January 19, 1935, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring. It is considered a decoration and not a military order in the true sense of the word.
Design of the observer badge
A tall oval badge made of non-ferrous metal or zinc, in rare cases also of aluminum, or a combination of these materials. The wreath is formed of oak leaves and laurel, each half of the wreath. The wreath is tied at the bottom. On top is a detailed eagle with slightly angled wings. The wings extend slightly above the wreath on both sides. A swastika is in its claws. The eagle is placed on the wreath. The wreath is silver-plated, the eagle blackened, or in exceptional cases silver-plated.
Well-known manufacturers are the companies CE Juncker, Berlin (CEJ); Assmann & Sohn, Lüdenscheid (A); Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid; Jimme & Sohn, Berlin; Friedrich Linden, Lüdenscheid (FLL) and Gebrüder Wegerhof, Lüdenscheid (GWL).
Requirements for the award of the Air Force Observer Badge
The badge was awarded upon successful completion of one of the Air Force's observer schools. It was awarded to observers as a training certificate and is therefore not a combat badge in the true sense, but rather an activity badge.
It could also be awarded to persons who were trained as observers before the Observer Badge was established, provided they were still serving or serving again in the Air Force.
Number of awards of the Observer Badge
Unfortunately, the exact figures are unknown. However, it is estimated that approximately 35.000 awards were made by the end of World War II.
How to wear the observer badge
The observer badge was worn as a pin on the right side of the chest. Should the wearer also be Iron Cross 1nd Class the Observer Badge had to be worn below the Iron Cross. If the wearer was later trained as a pilot, he or she did not receive Pilot's Badge awarded, but the pilot and observer badge, the so-called “double badge”.
The certificate for the observer badge
A certificate bearing the signature of the unit commander and the stamp of the unit was issued for the award. The award was recorded in the Sold book or the Wehrpass of the holder. The observer certificate is also often found in estates as proof of passing the observer training course.
Value and purchase of an observer badge
Due to the sheer number of different variants, a value can only be determined individually. Depending on the design, individual badges can be worth between €200 and €1.800. Extensive estates, including certificates, photos, etc., can be worth well over €4.000. Individual certificates, cases, miniatures, and photos of wearers are also of great interest to militaria collectors, and thus to us, and are always available for purchase.
