Luftwaffe Pilot Badge. Maker C.E. Juncker Berlin S.W. (J.1), Staffelkapitän J.G. 52, Oberleutnant Wilhelm Keidel

Tombak/brass based and in a very good, slightly worn condition. The wreath with all of the silver plate still present and some patina. The eagle with most of the dark oxidised finish and attached to the wreath with two typical rivets.
Marked on the reverse with the maker „C.E. Juncker Berlin SW“. So called thin wreath, first pattern or J1 type badge.
Scratched on the reverse with „Keidel“. From the possessions of Oberleutnant Wilhelm Keideel.
Nice example.

Lieutenant Wilhelm Keidel began his military career in the Navy and later switched to the Air Force. He served in the Luftwaffe 2nd Training Squadron. With this squadron he fought as part of the Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War. Here he was awarded, among other things, the Spanish cross in gold with swords. He also served in the same squadron as Adolf Galland (3rd squadron J/88). He later was squadron commander in Jagd Geschwader 52 (J.G. 52). The J.G. 52 is the most successful fighter squadron ever. Approximately 9,000 kills are credited to them. Well-known pilots such as Erich Hartmann, Gerhard Barkhorn and Günther Rall served here. Keidel died in a dogfight on July 25, 1940.