Heer/Army Bronce Baloon Observer´s Badge 1st.Grade

Third Reich Army Balloon Observer Badge, 1st Class (Bronze), with award document – ​​manufactured from July 1944 onwards: Type III, semi-hollow stamped version in bronzed fine zinc; typically unmarked by the manufacturer. At least 60% of the bronze finish remains; the reverse features an attached pin hinge and a soldered hook, along with a round-profile pin. Complete with the award certificate issued to *Hauptfeldwebel* (Master Sergeant) Hans Schmidt on October 23, 1944.

A very rare wartime decoration for tethered balloon operations; the specimen offered here is classified as a period original in specialist literature and by leading experts.

The badge was instituted "in recognition of the service of balloon observers" and as a "performance badge for observers in tethered balloons who had proven themselves in frontline service."