Austro-Hungarian field pilot's badge. Real or fake.

**gytutis** · 01-28-2023, 12:03 PM

Hi everybody. I want to buy this badge, but not sure if it is real or fake?
Help me please.

Austro-Hungarian field pilot's badge. Real or fake.

**MAP** · 01-28-2023, 04:45 PM

Unfortunately, this is not a badge that I've ever handled or studied before. I did however just see one for sale in WAF a few weeks back.

Hopefully someone here can help

**rbminis** · 01-28-2023, 04:56 PM

I am not sure if this is just a variant or why there are two crowns at the top, but I am not a fan of the rivets, nor the attachment method.
Also, some of the wreath details.
Here are some photos of the one Michael spoke of from WAF.
Same maker.
Ralph.

**gytutis** · 01-28-2023, 08:29 PM

It's too expensive to risk so I will pass by.

**Gwar** · 01-29-2023, 02:28 AM

It may be worth researching and looking into, I did a cursory search (Google) and I found a few examples of this type (double crown) by this maker, seems they are scarce and considered rare.. JMO

**gytutis** · 01-29-2023, 05:54 AM

Found one, very similar. Look at crowns and ribbons. I don't want it anymore.

**VtwinVince** · 01-30-2023, 06:09 PM

About 99% of these Zimbler examples that turn up are fake, indeed it is one of the most heavily faked of Imperial badges, along with the German ones. I'm no expert on these, but I'm not convinced either.

**gjw** · 02-04-2023, 03:11 PM

Hey all, these badges as said before are highly faked. It's a real minefield when dealing with these. Personally, I'm not too keen on this one. I'd really be careful.

The crown device (single/double) indicates under whose reign the badge was issued. The single crown was issued under Kaiser Franz Joseph until 1916. The double crown was issued under Kaiser Karl, 1917-1918. You can also see the monogram of each of the Emperors on the shield at the base of the badge.

Good luck!

Greg