Naval Air Gunner Badge
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 03.GEM.0109.101.01.000
Estimated market value:
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An Excessively Rare German Naval Air Gunner Badge, 1918; badge in gilded brass, hollow stamped, unmarked but typical style by maker Meybauer, Berlin; measures 45.6mm(w) x 71.94mm(h), weighs 26.1 grams, in slightly worn condition.
An air force branch under control of the German Navy was formed by decree of Emperor Wilhelm II on June 1, 1913. Its tasks were mainly reconnaissance-related and confined to the North Sea and Baltic areas. Some naval air force support was granted to the Ottoman allies, namely in the Black Sea area, including the Dardanelles. This does not mean, however, that they weren’t involved in combat with enemy planes and ships. About half of all naval airplanes were destroyed or damaged beyond repair during the war.
Naval air force personnel numbers have been given at just over 16,000, with just over 2,000 of them trained pilots and observers.
The Naval Air Gunner Badge was intended for air gunners serving on special large naval airplanes, but due to the war ending these were never used. Thus, the Naval Air Gunner Badge was never introduced and today only a single badge is known. It may have been a prototype or a custom-made private purchase.
The badge is of the same design as the regular Air Gunner Badge, except that it is gilded.
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