BACKGROUND: The Pilot’s Qualification Badge was originally introduced on January 19TH 1935 for award to personnel of the DLV, Deutscher Luftsportsverband Fliegerschaft, (German Air Sports Association Pilot Base), the secret forerunner of the Luftwaffe, who had achieved their pilot's licenses. The badge was officially adopted by the Luftwaffe on March 26TH 1936, by order of Hermann Göring. The Pilot’s Badge was awarded on an individual basis to personnel who had successfully completed the appropriate theory and flight training and had achieved their pilot's license. As with other flyer’s specialty badges, a cloth version of the Pilot’s Badge was authorized for wear on the flight blouse, with a machine embroidered pattern for EM/NCOs and a hand embroidered pattern for Officers.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die struck alloy construction, two piece badge is in the form of a vertically oval wreath with a separate burnished silver finished, stylized, spread winged eagle in flight, clutching a swastika mounted on the wreath. The eagle is attached to the wreath by two small dome headed rivets which are visible to the reverse. The vertically oval wreath features embossed laurel leaves to the left side and oak-leaves to the right side. Complete with original hinge, pin and catch assembly. Complete with original case.