For your consideration, you are viewing a WWI Circa piece of military history. This badge is a Scarce Imperial Bavarian Observer’s Badge (Bayern Abzeichen für Beobachtungs-Offiziere).- late War period issue, in die-stamped silvered iron (slightly magnetic) The cap badge of a regiment is its most basic identifying emblem and much emotion is vested in such badges by members of regiments. The WW1 Bavarian Observer Officers Badge was originally introduced on 3 March 1914 by 'Prinz Ludwig III., König von Bayern'. The Bavarian Observer reached likely no more than six hundred issued examples. The enamel flag section in the middle had lost its enamel. The Observer’s Badge (Beobachterabzeichen) is a badge from Imperial Germany awarded to qualified Imperial German Observers during WWI. Silver qualification badges were authorised by the German Air Service soon before the start of the WW1. Most wartime crews wore the Prussian designs, with minor changes to the badges worn by Bavarians. There were also variations in quality, particularly between issued versions and those purchased privately. This badge has an RZM Mark beside a "R ? 3" stamped on the back. The RZM or Reichszeugmeisterei der NSDAP was the quality control office of the NSDAP. All firms wishing to manufacture items for NSDAP had to apply for an RZM number. This number was stamped on items made by the firm and quality was strictly controlled by the RZM office. If a firm did not live up to quality expectations, it could lose its RZM number and hence its permission to manufacture these items. As in all of the Imperial German Army flight qualification badges, the outside perimeter is surrounded by a wreath. The left side has laurel leaves symbolizing victory, while the right side has oak leaves signifying strength and hardiness. The bow tie at the bottom joins them together signifying the joining of these two qualities. The original Observer’s badge carried an enamelled flag (now removed) which was the German tactical symbol for an Army Corps. Issued badges were thinly stamped and silvered or silver-washed metal. Privately purchased examples can be found in hollow two-piece construction or single massive silver stampings. The reverse has a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, it has no maker marks other than the RZM Mark.

CONDITION: This badge is Antique, used, and in good condition for its age and use, it has nice detail on the front with only light wear and a bright clean patina. It has a vertical pin attached, there is no damage to the pin which is straight and the hook is firmly attached and undamaged  # Please note: The Photographs form part of the description; Super-sized photos can show the finer details and conditions.

• Photos do not show the actual size so please read the description page for the exact measurements.
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• Highly reflective shiny items like metals, silver, gold, jewels, and glass reflect everything (including us!) and create optical illusions.
• The item featured in the photos is the exact one you will receive.
• The lead photo has had the background removed with Photoshop, all the original untouched photos are also included to view.
• Any errors will be accidental and not intentional or purposely misleading.

WEIGHT & MEASUREMENTS: The item is measured in both centimetres and inches. All measurements are approximate only. WEIGHT: 29 gm. approximately unpacked.

• HEIGHT: 6.5 cm / 2.55"
• WIDTH: 4.5 cm / 1.77"
• DEPTH: 1 cm / 0.39"

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