Original German WWII Luftwaffe Gold Grade Front Flying Clasp for Reconnaissance Pilots Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition German WWII Luftwaffe Front Flying Clasp in Gold Grade, as issued to Reconnaissance pilots who had flown at least 110 missions. Officially this version of the award is termed the Frontflugspange für Aufklärer in Gold in German. This example is in very nice condition, with some age-related oxidation, which gives it a lovely aged patina. The central device is gold highlighted and shows only slight wear. The back clip is intact, and works beautifully. The oak leaves on the sides have lost most of their original wash and oxidized.

A great example of a hard to find military decoration!

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