Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 53:
Description
WWII Polish Air Force Pilot’s Badge, or ‘Gapa, ‘ British-made by Firmin & Sons of London – the distinguished insignia of the exiled Polish airmen who continued the fight under Royal Air Force command. This lot offers a single breast badge, the Odznaka Pilota, cast in the traditional diving-eagle form with the bird’s beak clutching a laurel wreath and its wings swept back in flight. Following the German invasion of Poland and the fall of France, Polish airmen reconstituted their forces in Britain, flying with particular distinction during the Battle of Britain, where squadrons such as No. 303 compiled a formidable combat record. The Polish government-in-exile contracted established British insignia firms, including Firmin & Sons, to strike the eagle badge to traditional Polish specifications, incorporating its distinctive chain suspension designed to hook onto small lugs on the tunic breast. The badge is die-struck in silver-finished metal with crisply modeled feathering across the wings and tail, and a well-defined head and wreath. The reverse is die-stamped FIRMIN LONDON, confirming manufacture by the London house of Firmin & Sons, a maker notably scarcer than the more commonly encountered Gaunt-produced examples. The original integral link chain remains complete, connecting the upper wing to the lower wreath point. A threaded mounting post survives intact on the reverse. Condition is very good: the silver finish carries an attractive natural age patina with light, even surface tarnish and handling wear consistent with genuine wartime service; feather and wreath detail remain crisp, and the chain shows no breaks or repairs. A handsome, clearly marked Firmin example of the Polish ‘Gapa’ – tangible insignia of the airmen who carried Poland’s eagle into RAF service and the skies over wartime Britain.
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