Imperial German Automobile Club Winged Wheel Wreath Cap Badge

Striking two-tone metal badge featuring a gilt laurel wreath with tied ribbon bow at the base, overlaid with a silvered “winged wheel” centerpiece. The wheel is rendered with a raised rim and visible tread detail, flanked by finely feathered wings in high relief—an iconic early motoring/transport motif. Construction appears multi-piece, with the winged wheel element mounted through the wreath to give dimensional depth. Reverse shows an older-style horizontal pin assembly (as pictured); mounting looks period and utilitarian rather than modern reproduction hardware.

Badges of this type are most commonly associated with pre-war German motoring organizations and elite automobilist circles that flourished in the Kaiserzeit, when private automobile ownership was still a status marker and club membership signaled both means and modern technical enthusiasm. The winged wheel symbol bridges “speed + engineering + progress” and was widely adopted across early transport and touring associations; paired with a laurel wreath, it reads as a higher-grade or honor-style variant intended for smart wear on caps, lapels, or club uniform dress.

Collector appeal is strong: the design is immediately recognizable, visually balanced, and displays well due to the contrast between warm gilt wreath and bright silvered wings/wheel. It also cross-collects nicely with Imperial-era aero/auto club material, early touring badges, and Kaiserzeit civic/technical society insignia.

Condition: attractive overall with honest age wear. Gilt remains strong on the wreath with rubbing to high points; the silvered winged wheel shows expected toning and finish loss in recessed areas. Minor surface marks consistent with handling. Pinback present as shown; recommend verifying your preferred mounting method before wear.