In 1913 the Military Aviator Badge was authorized by Congress and was awarded to 27 or 28 Signal Corp pilots. This badge is a replica made from the original that was awarded to 2nd Lt. Hap Arnold the first to be awarded on July 5, 1912. The mold was made with permission of the Air Force Museum in Dayton Ohio under the condition the pin on the back be modern and not a replica but it does have a pin back. The pin is cast in Sterling Silver with a 24-karat plate. The Signal Flags have been hand chased to show silver as in the original. This is the only replica that is accurately made and is based on the US Government stamping. The original badge was 14k Gold with a 24 karat plate.