Sappeur- und Pionierauszeichnung
On the 9th of September 1893 a so called "Arbeitsauszeichnung für die Pioniertruppe" was introduced to distinguish skilled soldiers of the engineers corps. The brass cockade displayed in the centre an upright pick with two crossed shovels. The particular soldier had to demonstrate his earth working skills and his competence as a foreman in all land engineering disciplines. Furthermore he was required to have a thorough knowledge all engineer specific tools and equipment including their use and deployment. In 1906 this cockade received a black painted centre and was renamed as the "Sappeurauszeichnung".
On the 14th of November 1910 the possibility to receive this decoration was enlarged to incorporate those soldiers who were attached to engineer detachments of other arms and services. This cockade was similar to the Sappeurauszeichnung - members of the Honvéd wore a cockade with red painted centre and all others with black - but was named "Pionierauszeichnung für Truppenpioniere". The individual recipient had to successfully pass a theoretical and a practical examination resulting in different qualification depending on his basic branch. In the infantry and Jägertruppe he had to prove his competence as a foreman in all surface engineering disciplines, bridge building skills and as an helmsman of small craft. Additionally he was required to have a thorough knowledge of all infantry deployed engineers tools and equipment and their practical use. In the cavalry the soldier had to demonstrate a similar level of knowledge but instead of the engineering foreman duties he had to prove his knowledge in the handling and deployment of blasting material and detonators.
There exists a variant pattern of this badge with a smooth instead of a ribbed edge around the centre shield. There is no official explanation for this variant pattern, probably simply a manufacturer's variation.
| Badge as described by the regulations |
Variant pattern with smooth edge |