Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 89:
Description
Offered here is a scarce Imperial German airship veterans commemorative badge associated with the wartime Luftschiffer service and bearing an especially important unit inscription. The badge features a finely rendered Zeppelin in profile across an openwork oval wreath, with decorative bow treatment above and detailed foliage throughout. The reverse is prominently inscribed "Luftschiffer-Abt. 16" and "Tempelhofer-Feld – Frankreich, " directly linking the piece to Luftschiffer-Abteilung 16 and its connection with the Tempelhofer Feld tradition and wartime service in France. At the center of the reverse appear the dates "1886 – 1918," a powerful commemorative reference spanning the formative era of German military balloon and airship service through the end of the First World War. Also present is an "800" silver fineness mark, identifying the badge as .800 silver. The reverse retains its horizontal pin, hinge, and catch assembly, with age toning and wear consistent with period manufacture and long-term preservation. The combination of the Zeppelin motif, veteran commemorative function, Luftschiffer-Abteilung 16 inscription, Tempelhofer Feld reference, France service inscription, and .800 silver construction makes this example considerably more significant than an uninscribed airship badge. For the advanced collector, the personalized unit provenance is the defining feature, tying the badge to a specific formation within the German military aeronautical service. An exceptional and historically evocative WWI German Airship Veterans Commemorative Badge, offering direct association with the Imperial German Luftschiffer arm and enhanced by its unusually informative period inscription. Condition as photographed.
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