Imperial Badge Guide

This is an identification guide for the Imperial badges issued and/or authorized for service during World War I. To the best of our knowledge, all the examples shown are original pre-1945 manufacture. If anyone has questions or suggestions, please contact [email protected].

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Imperial Air Service Korps Badges

The Imperial Air Service Korps eventually consisted of 88 Jastas (squadrons). Prussia formed 67 Jastas, Bavaria formed 10 Jastas, Saxony formed 7 Jastas, and Wurttemberg formed 4 Jastas. All used the Imperial badge with the Prussian crown except for Bavaria. Approximate size was 72mm x 45mm. A smaller or "Prinzen" size badge was also available and was approximately 48mm x 32mm. Construction of these badges are of 3 forms. Initial issue consisted of thin die struck, magnetic badges issued with the qualification certificate. This practice was later discontinued, and the badges were only available through private purchase. The private purchase badges are die struck as either 2 piece hollow core silver or silvered brass, or heavier 1 piece silver. Badges continued to be produced into the 1930s.

Imperial Pilot's Badge Introduced 27 February 1913	Bavarian Pilot's Badge Introduced 27 February 1913
Imperial Observer's Badge Introduced 27 February 1913	Bavarian Observer's Badge Introduced 27 February 1913
Naval Sea Service Pilot's Badge Introduced 23 February 1915	Naval Land Service Pilot's Badge Introduced 23 February 1915
Naval Observer's Badge Introduced 23 February 1915	Imperial Air Gunner's Badge Introduced January 1918
Bavarian Air Gunner's Badge Introduced January 1918	Naval Air Gunner's Badge Introduced January 1918

Imperial U-Boat War Badge

Awarded for the completion of 3 war patrols. Approximate size was 50mm x 85mm. These badges are typically die struck of bronze or tombac, and gilded. Private purchase badges were available in sterling silver. Badges continued to be produced into the 1930s.

U-Boat War Badge
Introduced 1 February 1918

U-Boat War Badge (Sterling silver)
Introduced 1 February 1918

Imperial Wound Badge

Awarded in 3 grades for wounds received. Approximate size was 44mm x 38mm. A total of 24 makers were authorized to produce the badge. Slight variations in design and size can be found depending on the maker. A cut-out version was also available.

Gold Wound Badge (cut-out version) Introduced 3 March 1918	Silver Wound Badge Introduced 3 March 1918
Black Wound Badge Introduced 3 March 1918	Naval Gold Wound Badge Introduced 24 June 1918
Naval Silver Wound Badge Introduced 24 June 1918	Naval Black Wound Badge Introduced 24 June 1918

Commemorative Service Badges

Five badges were produced to commemorate service during World War 1.

Commemorative Tank Battle Badge. Die struck 2 piece silver hollow core badge. Approximate size was 75mm x 45mm. A total of 99 badges were issued. Badges continued to be produced into the 1930s.

Imperial Commemorative Flyer's Badge. Badges are die struck as either 2 piece hollow core silver or silvered brass, or heavier 1 piece silver. Approximate size was 72mm x 45mm. Badges continued to be produced into the 1930s.

Bavarian Commemorative Flyer's Badge. Badges are die struck as either 2 piece hollow core silver or silvered brass, or heavier 1 piece silver. Approximate size was 72mm x 45mm. Badges continued to be produced into the 1930s.

Naval Commemorative Flyer's Badge. Badges are die struck as either 2 piece hollow core gilded silver or brass, or heavier 1 piece gilded silver. Approximate size was 72mm x 45mm. Badges continued to be produced into the 1930s.

Commemorative Zeppelin Service Badge. Badges are die struck in tombec and silver plated. Green paint is sometimes seen on the wreath. Original examples are seen both with and without the Imperial Crown. The crown is a seperate piece soldered to the badge. No documentation has been found to explain this variation. Approximate size with crown was 88mm x 85mm. Badges continued to be produced into the 1930s.

Tank Battle Badge Introduced 13 July 1921	Imperial Commemorative Flyer's Badge Introduced 1920s
Bavarian Commemorative Flyer's Badge Introduced 1920s	Naval Commemorative Flyer's Badge Introduced 1920s
Zeppelin Commemorative Badge Introduced 1920	Zeppelin Commemorative Badge with Crown Introduced 1920