Germany, Luftwaffe. A Round Wreath Version Pilot's Badge, by C.E. Juncker

(Flugzeugführerabzeichen, runder Typ). A rare example of a circular wreath Pilot's Badge, constructed of silvered zink, the obverse consisting of a circular laurel and oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, overlaid by a swooping Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, the reverse with two visible rivets securing the obverse eagle in place, with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by C.E. Juncker, Berlin, the wreath measuring 44.90 mm in diameter, the wingspan of the eagle measuring 65.33 mm, weighing 31.6 grams, with loss of finish evident throughout, a rare variation in overall very fine condition.

Footnote: This rare example of a circular Luftwaffe Pilot's Badge is discussed on pages 576-579 of Sébastien Talbot's "The German Luftwaffe Pilot and Combined Pilot and Observer Badges of World War II: 1933-1945" (2018). According to the author, the composition of the wreath, construction of the pinback hardware, and style of finishing all strongly point to manufacture by the firm of C.E. Juncker.