WWII Japanese Pilots Badge

[LostDutchman]

I picked this up today. I would appreciate any opinions you might have or if someone could possibly translate the kanji for me please?

Thanks!

[Wagriff]

I can't translate-some one who can read it will have to do that, but I can tell you that this badge-being silver-is the officers pilot badge(enlisted being in bronze) and that the writing is the pilot's name and rank. A fairly uncommonly seen badge. Very nice.

[zwerge]

Try this website....Army Pilot Badge Evolution - Japan - Gentleman's Military Interest Club

[Walkwolf]

There are many more fakes of this badge than original, but I like what I see.........!

[Adrian]

I can't help on authenticity because until I read this I never knew such a badge existed. That is a fantastic badge design and great detail, thank you for posting.

[tomp]

It looks like your family name on the back is Horikoshi. The last kanji, lower left I cannot make out to complete the pilot's first name. The string of kanji on the right side states: 87th term/period. An unusual kanji to use imo, I would think class maybe roughly translated.

Tom