Germany, Third Reich: Luftwaffe Bomber Clasp in Silver, makers mark on reverse ‘R.S. & S.’ for Richard Simm & Söhne, of Gablonz. Of mid-war manufacture. A pleasing example of type.
Condition: Good Very Fine
The Bomber Clasp was one of a series of flying clasps (frontflugspange) originally instituted at the beginning of 1941 to reward aircrew who had flown a large number of operational sorties. A bronze clasp was awarded for 20 missions, silver for 60 and gold for 110. The following year, a pendant device of a gold star with sprays of laurel leaves on either side, was instituted to recognise larger numbers of operational flights completed - 250, 300, 400 or 500 depending upon the branch of service. By mid 1944, this pendant had been replaced by a new variety containing a boxed numeral marked in increments of 100 from 200 to 2000, indicative of the greater pressure now being placed upon Luftwaffe aircrew.
