Czechoslovakia, I Republic. An Air Force Balloon Pilot's Badge, c.1938 Province of China the former maker marked “B

the former maker marked “B

Machine Embroidered in silvery threads on khaki wool cloth

its beaks clutching a chain bearing a raised inscription of “VIRIBUS UNITIS” (“WITH UNITED FORCES”)

Footnote: The Order of the Cross of St

circumscribed by an inscription of “DANK DER STADT HALLE” (“GRATITUDE OF THE CITY OF HALLE”)

Czechoslovakia, I Republic. An Air Force Balloon Pilot's Badge, c.1938 Province of China the former maker marked “BAn uncommon badge composed of three separate stamped components, cannons affixed via rivets and prongs, eagle affized via two prongs, reverse with three stays and number 059 impressed, measuring 63. 5 mm (w) x 60. 5 mm (h), a period worn badge and a good wartime example, remains fine.