Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great condition German WWII Cased Luftwaffe Front Flying Clasp in Silver Grade, as issued to Bomber crew and pilots who had flown 60 missions. Officially this version of the award is termed the Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Silber in German. This example is in very nice condition, with some age-related oxidation, which is still nice an bright in many areas. The central device is blackened, as standard, and it does not show any wear. The back clip is intact, and works beautifully. Moving the clasp to the side shows the marker mark of G.H. OSANG / DRESDEN.
The Clasp comes complete with its original black hinged case, with an inletted velvet bottom, and white satin top. It still shows the original markings on the top in German Textura Black Letter type:
Frontflugspange
für Kampfflieger
Silber
The case still looks great, with an intact working latch and hinge! A great example of a hard to find military decoration, complete with case!
The Front Flying Clasp (Frontflugspange) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to aircrew and certain other Luftwaffe personnel in recognition of the number of operational flights flown. It was instituted by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring on 30 January 1941. It was awarded in Bronze, Silver, and Gold with an upgrade to include diamonds possible. Pennants suspended from the clasp indicated the number of missions obtained in a given type of aircraft. Front Flying Clasps were issued for missions completed in the following Luftwaffe aircraft:
– Day Fighters
– Night Fighters
– Long Range Night Fighters
– Heavy Fighters
– Air to Ground Support Fighters
– Bombers
– Reconnaissance
– Transport and Glider
All badges are formed of a central device (usually blackened) encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves set between two stylized wings of oak leaves with a swas located at the base of the wreath. Clasps measure approximately 7.5 cm (3 in) by 2.5 cm (1 in). The various designs of the central device was determined from the type of aircraft flown. The clasp pennant was instituted as additional recognition for the increased number of operational missions/flights, which grew as the war continued.
Criteria for qualification:
Bronze – 20 flown missions
Silver – 60 flown missions
Gold – 110 flown missions
Pennant to the Gold Front Flying Clasp
Day Fighters and Transport Units: 500 missions
Air to Ground Support Fighters: 400 missions
Bombers, Air Sea Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance: 300 missions
Reconnaissance and Night Fighters: 250 missions