Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Rare First War Pilot Badge, c.1917 Auction Archive 50 (in bronze gilt

50 (in bronze gilt

the black threading securing the hook on the left side having come away

Lieutenant Pinguet of the Canadian Fencibles later related "All our men fired from thirty-five to forty rounds so well aimed that the prisoners told us next day that every shot seem to pass at about the height of a man's breast or head

The waistband has an integrated belt system

badge measures 42mm (x63mm including crown suspension)

Bulgaria, Kingdom. A Rare First War Pilot Badge, c.1917 Auction Archive 50 (in bronze giltIn silver and silver gilt, a rare, German made Pilots badge, comprising a central gilt bird with outstretched wings, surmounted by a Princely crown and rampant lion in shield below, the reverse offers a flat pin and C catch, the reverse with a sunburst pattern, measures 44. 4 mm (w) x 75. 3 mm (h), unmarked but likely of Carl Dillenius manufacture, a hollow badge with light gilt wear, remains in extremely fine condition.