30th Jun, 2022 11:30
The Collectors' Auction
A WWI Austrian Aircrew general flying badge, epaulets and Iron Cross.
Sold for £520
A WWI Austrian Aircrew general flying badge, with white and coloured enamel, 5.5 x 55cms; a pair of aircrew epaulets, each with gilt metal winged propeller mounts, 11cms long; and a 1914 Iron Cross, with ribbon.
Notes:
Austrian Aircrew Badge: Approximately 840 awards were conferred.
With the beginning of hostilities and the development of air technology during the Great War, the need for a reward to members of the Austrian Empire Air Force was raised as early as September 1915. Following a number of proposed designs, adopted with a circular Order of 9.6.1917, under the following decree:
'His Apostolic Majesty has graciously approved with the highest decree of the 13th May 1917 the introduction of an aircrew badge to be worn on the right breast according to the following pattern. The badge is to be secured by two horizontal pins, under the initials shield and the coat of arms shield respectively. The insignia is to be awarded on the recommendation of the headquarters of air troops to the War Ministry to all active and reserve personnel who meet the determined conditions for aircraft observers and balloon pilots. The awards will be announced in the personnel announcements section of the K.U.K. Official Gazette. Personnel who also receive in addition to the aircrew badge, the field pilot badge will only wear the latter.'
The award criteria was as follows:
Ten sorties over enemy territory (valid as a sortie over enemy territory are such as those which as a minimum cross the enemy artillery positions) of at least two hours flight duration and with a properly completed mission. Of the ten completed sorties, at least five must include secondary photographic tasks. A total of twenty bombs must be successfully dropped during the flights.
Balloon Pilots- Fifty captive or free balloon ascents before the enemy, the former with a duration of at least two hours each. (Shorter flights with a duration of less than two hours may only be counted if especial success or performance is achieved). Six free balloon sorties including two under independent command. Understanding of the relationship between aircraft observation and balloon observation.'
IN PERSON: If you want to experience the atmosphere of the Auction Room the best way to do this is always to turn up in person. You simply register your personal details at Reception (so leave at least 10 minutes for this before your lot in case there is a queue) and you are issued with a paddle number which you hold up to the auctioneer when you wish to bid. If you haven't done so already you can view your lot(s) this way on the same day. There is time before each auction starts to do this however if you ask the staff on duty they can bring lots to you for inspection if the auction has began.
COMMISSION/ABSENTEE BID: If you are unable to attend the sale in person or would like the Auctioneer to bid on your behalf you can leave a bid on our website when registed (up to 30 minuets before the auction begins) and you'll receive and e-mail confirming them. Alternatively send them to bids@andersonandgarland.com or telephone our team on 0191 430 3000 and we'll be happy to add them for you. We will try to secure the item for you as reasonably as is allowed by other bids and the reserve price, if any. Commissions placed by telephone, fax or e-mail are made only at the buyer's own risk.
INTERNET BIDDING: You an also bid live via our website. When choosing to bid live via www.andersonandgarland.com you will need to register, using a bank card, to verify your address details. We would ask for you to register before the sale to make sure that you are verified for when you come to bid in the auction. To bid live on the sale day you will access the sale by going to www.andersonandgarland.com and clicking on the sale this will have a grey banner across the sale photograph which says 'bid live'. Please click on this and it will take you to the sale. Please note the bid live banner only appears once the sale commences on the sale day and is not there beforehand.
You can also bid live on www.the-saleroom.com however this is hosting site charges an additional 6% (plus VAT).
TELEPHONE: Telephone bids are only available for lots estimated at over £250. Lots which are bought for less than £250 via telephone bidding will incur a £10 (plus VAT) per lot charge. We only accept telephone bidding registrations up to the day prior to the lot in question going under the hammer. At the point of registration all new bidders will be required to submit proof of identification and address. This can be either a current driver's licence or ID card showing the registered address, or a passport together with a recent utility bill bearing the registered address which can be emailed to a.orgill@andersonandgarland.com. Only when this identification is received can the registration process be completed and your telephone line will then be secured for you. As the number of telephone lines are limited, early booking is recommended. (We also recommend that you leave an “emergency cover bid" in case we are unable to reach you by telephone). Please note - there are inherent dangers with telephone bidding; despite our best efforts, Anderson & Garland Ltd. may be unable to contact the intending bidder at the appropriate time. All such arrangements are therefore made entirely at the intending bidder’s risk.
Auction: The Collectors' Auction, 30th Jun, 2022
Click the 'View' button on the right to view highlights from this sale.
Viewing
Wed 29/06/22 10am-3pm
