Rare 57er obtained..Very rare !

**oradour** · 07-15-2013, 11:56 PM

Gents...I have bought a 57er badge that is considered very rare (reflected in its price !), it is in the post, but I shall show sellers images...."Ballonbeobachterabzeichen des Heers" (Balloon Observer badge of the Army) Gold grade. Instituted July 8th 1944...very few, if any were physically issued, documents were awarded to those who qualified before the end of the war......it is one of the rarest awards of the TR and indeed of the 1957 period.................................
It is an early production piece from St u L indicated by the large "O" mark on the reverse, and first style of pin/hinge and catch.... Available in Bronze, Silver and Gold grades, it is highly unlikely due to its late introduction and limited use of balloon observing at the time, that any awards or documents were actually issued for the Gold grade ! But who knows ?
Here it is.....Prost ! Steve.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 07-15-2013 11:56 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**MD Helmets** · 07-16-2013, 12:00 AM

Very cool Steve. Thanks for showing a very rare award (ill take your word for it

) how on earth did you come across it? Inside collector knowledge? If I saw that at a show i would have probably written it off as 4th Reich.

**cricketchris1944** · 07-16-2013, 12:18 AM

What a great item.
super rare item,never seen a TR original one.
chris

**oradour** · 07-16-2013, 06:26 AM

Some more photographs.............
Prost ! Steve.

**Nick Hessens** · 07-16-2013, 04:40 PM

Well done Steve, a great rare beauty!

Good luck with the bronze and silver.

Regards,
Nick

**oradour** · 07-16-2013, 05:57 PM

by Nick Hessens

Good luck with the bronze and silver. Regards,Nick

I will need it Nick !.....Thanks everybody for the comments.............
Prost ! Steve.

**Tango** · 07-16-2013, 07:19 PM

Lovely badge Steve..& well done for finding it..& a big thanks for showing it. Cheers Terry.

**oradour** · 07-25-2013, 04:56 PM

Well Gents it arrived today, here are more photographs of this incredibly rare award in my possession ....note I have elevated its status in my collection !

Prost ! Steve.