This is a very pretty pin badge from Moravan made to advertise the Z-37T series of planes. It dates from the 1970s and is quite rare as these pins (or planes) are no longer produced. It is 2.5cm wide across the wings and has a stick pin fastener. You can read all about the Z-37 Cmelak on wikipedia.
Historical Background
Moravan in Otrokovice was a Czechoslovak aircraft company founded in 1934 and since then has built over 5,600 aircraft. It is best known for its training and acrobatic planes. The company was founded by the Bata family who still operate a worldwide chain of shoe stores called Bata. Prior to WWII Moravan had superior airframe designs to similar planes in the luftwaffe. The Zlin XII famously outperformed the Junkers Ju-86 in a performance and endurance show shortly before the outbreak of war.
When Germany invaded Czechoslovakia in 1938 the latest aircraft, the Zlin XIII was secretly sent to Yugoslavia to avoid it falling into German hands, but the plot was discovered, the plane was captured and the German occupying forces produced over 700 planes based on the XIII design bearing German Luftwaffe markings.
After the fall of socialism in 1989 this light aircraft manufacturer saw government funding reduced to zero overnight and couldn't compete in the open market. Moravan Zlin have been declared bankrupt, but have been bought out by another company, but still have an uncertain future.
The Z 37 is a very versatile plane it is often seen as a glider tow plane, it is a reliable agricultural sprayer and is famous for its rough field and STOL capabilities. Only 739 examples were produced many of which ended up in the USA where they are still in service.
