{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-silver-grade-front-flying-clasp-for-transport-and-glider-pilots-1","title":"Original German WWII Luftwaffe Silver Grade Front Flying Clasp for Transport and Glider Pilots","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a German WWII Luftwaffe \u003cem\u003eFrontflugspange für Transport- und Luftlandflieger in silber\u003c\/em\u003e (Front Flying Clasp in Silver Grade), awarded to Transport and Glider aircrew who had flown 60 missions. This badge is made from silver-washed die-cast alloy, in the form of a central laurel leaf circle with Oak Leaf \"wings\" pointing out to the side. In the middle is an attached blacked silver-plated device, which was different for every version of the award. For transport and Glider pilots, it is a Luftwaffe \"Eagle in Flight\" perched on a swas. This example has holes drilled at the base of the wings, which are intended for the attachment of additional mission devices, which are not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe back features a plated horizontal pinback, attached to a barrel hinge and held in place by a bent round wire catch. The badge still has much of the original silver wash on the oak leaves and wreath, and really is a lovely example. There is no maker marking present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis German WWII Luftwaffe Front Flying Clasp in Silver for Transport and Glider Aircrew retains its central eagle-in-flight device, silver-washed oak-leaf wings and wreath, horizontal pin, barrel hinge, and wire catch. Much of the original silver-toned finish remains, with expected age-related wear to the raised surfaces. The mounting holes for additional mission devices are present at the base of the wings, although no such devices are included. The reverse is unmarked, but the clasp remains a substantially complete example with strong surviving finish and intact attachment hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Front Flying Clasp (\u003cem\u003eFrontflugspange)\u003c\/em\u003e was a World War II German military decoration awarded to aircrew and certain other Luftwaffe personnel in recognition of the number of operational flights flown. It was instituted by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on 30 January 1941. It was awarded in Bronze, Silver, and Gold with an upgrade to include diamonds possible. Pennants suspended from the clasp indicated the number of missions obtained in a given type of aircraft. Front Flying Clasps were issued for missions completed in the following Luftwaffe aircraft:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Day Fighters\u003cbr\u003e- Night Fighters\u003cbr\u003e- Long Range Night Fighters\u003cbr\u003e- Heavy Fighters\u003cbr\u003e- Air to Ground Support Fighters\u003cbr\u003e- Bombers\u003cbr\u003e- Reconnaissance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Transport and Glider\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll badges are formed of a central device (usually blackened) encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves set between two stylized wings of oak leaves with a swas located at the base of the wreath. Clasps measure approximately 7.5 cm (3 in) by 2.5 cm (1 in). The various designs of the central device was determined from the type of aircraft flown. The clasp pennant was instituted as additional recognition for the increased number of operational missions\/flights, which grew as the war continued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCriteria for qualification:\u003cbr\u003eBronze - 20 flown missions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSilver - 60 flown missions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGold - 110 flown missions\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePennant to the Gold Front Flying Clasp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay Fighters and Transport Units: 500 missions\u003cbr\u003eAir to Ground Support Fighters: 400 missions\u003cbr\u003eBombers, Air Sea Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance: 300 missions\u003cbr\u003eReconnaissance and Night Fighters: 250 missions\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45416277475397,"sku":"ONSV26CC248","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26CC248__01.jpg?v=1785360080","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-silver-grade-front-flying-clasp-for-transport-and-glider-pilots-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}