GWL Gemeinsames Flugzeugfuhrer-Beobachter Abzeichen

[MAP]

Been looking for one of these for a number of years. Kind of gave up but then this literally popped up for sale a few days ago.

Except for the Retired Pilots Badge (which I am not anticipating ever getting), this completes my quest for Luftwaffe Flight Qualification Awards.

Up for your pleasure is a buntmetal/tombak Combined Pilots and Observer Badge by GWL (Gebruder Wegerhoff, Ludenscheid). I have rarely seen this maker for sale.

A great looking award by a top manufacture IMHO. Quality is top notch.

On the obverse, almost 100% of the gold wash is still present along with much of the burnished highlights (very hard to capture in photos, the highlights almost look black in the close up photos). Some verdigris under the right wing which could be cleaned as well but I will never touch. The eagle has great patina but much of the frosting is gone

The reverse has some great age related spotting. Hinge, rivets and catch are all textbook.

A very hard badge to upgrade.

(Photos taken from my cell phone. Don't have access to my light box or DSLR at this time so these photos will have to do for now)

[Jan]

Amazing!!! Thank you so much for for sharing this. Excellent photos too

Best,

Jan

[MAP]

Amazing!!! Thank you so much for for sharing this. Excellent photos too

Best,

Jan

Thanks.

I was getting a bit disheartened last year when I could not find an example I really liked.

Almost broke down and bought this one....A great FLL example in it's own right but doesn't hold a candle to the GWL

[Ullergaard]

Congrats on finally getting this for your collection
Michael!
He who waits.... lovely displayed

[raz]

Fantastic badge to top off a fantastic Luftwaffe collection sir , I tip my hat to you .

[rbminis]

That's an awfully pretty example Michael!
Congrats on finding this one.
Ralph.

[AZPhil]

Very nice Michael,
It does take center stage in that display!
Semper Fi
Phil

[MAP]

Thank you all for the kind words. Greatly appreciated. It was late at night and was ready for bed when I just did a random check. Almost didn't see it. Luck was on my side. And the seller was great to deal with.

In the end, I'm relieved to have finally found a nice example. GWL's are hard to find and exceptionally well made in my opinion.

Phil: Yes...it does kind of "stand out". But will say, many of these Luft badges in the photo are unique in their own way, even if they don't appear to be.


Stay tuned tomorrow or Sunday, I have another equally (maybe?) nice award I will be posting. that will also close out a long unfilled hole.

[MAP]

Just an out door photo snap....let me know what you think!

[jamie7d7]

Beautiful