Imperial German Navy Landplane Pilot Badge Schaper Type in Case - Sold As Is

Every so often a piece comes through the door that has us stumped, and this is one of them. Offered here is a badge of the pattern of the Abzeichen für Marine-Flugzeugführer auf Landflugzeugen (Badge for Naval Pilots of Landplanes), bearing the name of the Berlin court jeweler Hugo Schaper, together with a fitted red presentation case. We have not been able to satisfy ourselves that it is an original Schaper production piece, and it is priced accordingly.

The badge follows the high oval landplane design: a pierced Imperial crown above a wreath of laurel on the left and oak on the right, joined by a bow at the base, enclosing a stylized eagle in flight beneath the rays of a rising sun, with a fortress, river, and mountainous landscape in the lower field. The reverse carries a vertical pin assembly with barrel hinge, broad flat pin, and lower catch, and the pin is stamped “H. SCHAPER.” The satin lid lining of the case is printed in gold “Hugo Schaper / Hof-Goldschmied Sr. Maj. / des Kaisers u. Königs / Berlin W.9 / Potsdamerstr. 8” (Hugo Schaper, Court Goldsmith to His Majesty the Emperor and King, Berlin W.9, 8 Potsdamer Street).

Several features appear to depart from documented Schaper examples. The striking and the finish of the reverse do not match what we expect from Schaper’s die-struck badges, the placement of the maker mark on the pin is unusual, and the anti-snag hook normally found on Schaper badges is absent. The crown piercings and the width of the hinge also differ from reference examples. The case is well made, but it closes with a mushroom-style push button where documented Schaper cases use a straight push pin. Taken together, these points leave real doubt as to whether the badge, the case, or both are period Schaper work or a later museum copy.

The original badge was instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 23 February 1915 for qualified pilots of the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy) flying land-based aircraft, complementing the seaplane pilot badge introduced in 1913. Candidates had to pass theoretical and practical examinations at a naval air station, including rigging and engine knowledge, a three-hour overland flight, and a climb to 2,000 meters, before their names were entered on the list kept by the Reichsmarineamt (Imperial Naval Office). Published records indicate roughly 231 awards, which is exactly why originals are scarce, valuable, and so often copied.

Condition is good, with bright gilding, crisp detail, and light surface marks. The case shows light edge wear and some age toning to the lining.

Because we cannot confirm its attribution, this piece is sold as is, without our usual Certificate of Authenticity, and priced well below an authenticated example. It is offered for the collector who wants a well-made reference example of this rare naval aviation badge and case, or who enjoys a good puzzle. Our standard 30-day return policy applies.