French Badge

[Frentzen]

****** Badge French Military Aeronautic WW1 ****** - (eBay item 260165883946 end time Oct-05-07 02:54:52 PDT)


Any thoughts on this piece? Certainly unusual...

Dan

[Jim]

I am not an expert on early French aviation badges but by using simple common sense, when I compare it to the normal ones that are shown lower down on that page my first reaction is that it is not a real badge that was worn by a man in the French air service. It seems more likely to me to be a bit of trench art or perhaps something made up in a few hours of spare time by a relatively unskilled person to give to a young boy who wanted to join the air service one day. French military badges of all wars are very nicely made and French soldiers have always worn them with great pride. I can not imagine a man of the French air service actually wearing something like this.

[Frentzen]

Originally Posted by Jim

It seems more likely to me to be a bit of trench art or perhaps something made up in a few hours of spare time by a relatively unskilled person to give to a young boy who wanted to join the air service one day.

Trench art was also my first reaction. I've dealt with this vendor for a couple years now and have been absolutely satisfied with every pin (two storks, three Bleriots, and one winged propellor) I've bought from him. I asked him about it and he said early in the war most aircrew were from affluent backgrounds and bought their badges from the unit or private jewelers. He stated that this piece was likely hand fabricated by a late war member of an aircrew that wasn't able to afford the official badge as they purchase them. He also provided pictures of several other official badges/pins and hand made copies (if interested I can forward those). I'm not doubting his explanation, I just can't decide if I actually like it.

Dan