This is an authentic WW2 Nazi Germany Luftwaffe day fighter's operational flying Badge. Introduced by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on 30 January 1941 to recognize the increasing number of operational flights achieved by specialized Luftwaffe personnel. It was introduced along w/two other clasps, in a series of eight that were instituted at different points through-out the war. All eight were awarded in three grades: Bronze - 20 operational flights Silver - 60 operational flights Gold - 110 operational flights Description: Zinc production w/bronze wash in the form of a central circular laurel leaf wreath. Obverse: Features a static swastika superimposed to bottom, encompassing an upward pointing, winged arrow. Three parallel rows of oak-leaves extend horizontally outward from either side of the central wreath. Winged arrow attached by one small dome headed rivet. Reverse: Features a solid hinge w/broad tapering horizontal pin and soldered catch. Well Marked w/deep Maker Marked stamping: "G.H. Osang, Dresden". Measurements (approximate): Height: 2 1/4" Width: 1 1/2" History: In addition to the original three, five more operational flying clasps were introduced between November 1941 and April 1944, and by mid-1942 many pilots and air crews were surpassing the number of Operational flights required for award of the clasps. On 26 June 1942, Göring introduced a star burst pendant device to recognize operational flights over 110 with a prescribed number of operational flights required for award depending on the type of clasp. The Day Fighter’s Operational Flying Clasp, 500 operational flights were necessary for award of the star burst pendant. Because of the massive increase in operational flights, Göring decided to replace the sun burst pendant on 29 April 1944 with a new numbered pendant. The numbered pendants began at "200" and went up as high as "2000" in increments of one hundred. ----------------------------------------- WW2 (Nazi Germany) Luftwaffe Day Fighter Clasp $415.00 (Firm) Instituted by Hermann Göring on 30 January 1941. Recognizes increasing number of operational flights by Luftwaffe. Maker Marked: G.H. Osang (Dresden). -----------------------------------------
