WW2 GERMAN LUFTWAFFE FALLSCHIRMJÄGER BADGE BY C.E.JUNCKER

An early WW2 German Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger badge in silvered and gilded tombac with beautiful patina.  The obverse consists of a wreath of laurel and oak leaves with a superimposed diving eagle clutching a canted swastika in its talons.   The reverse of the badge includes two rivets securing the eagle tightly to the wreath and the maker’s mark clearly visible “C.E. Jucker, Berlin S.W” complete with a classic barrel hinge and round wire catch.  The decoration measures 42.70 mm (w) x 53.10 mm (h); weighs 40.9 grams; in extremely fine condition.

 

Product ID: 7953

£2,350.00

Out of stock

Description

LUFTWAFFE FALLSCHIRMJÄGER BADGE

The Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen) was awarded to qualified parachutists of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS.  The badge was instituted by Hermann Göring on 5 November 1936.  It was originally awarded to Luftwaffe personnel after completion of the required number of six jumps.

The badge depicted a diving eagle with a swastika in its claws surrounded by a silver wreath. The original construction was made of “gold-finished bronze” for the eagle and “oxidized silver plate” for the laurel leaves. In 1937, the construction of the badge changed to aluminum. In late 1942, the construction was changed again to a metal alloy.  A cloth version of the badge was also authorized in 1937, to be worn on a flight jacket.

An army version (Fallschirmschützen-Abzeichen des Heeres) was later introduced on the 1st of September 1937, with the swastika relocated to the top of the wreath and surmounted by a smaller upright eagle. As with the Luftwaffe, a recipient had to re-qualify for the badge each year.  In 1936, the army ordered the institution of its own parachute company, which was expanded to a battalion in 1938. When the army parachute units were transferred over to the Luftwaffe in 1939, the former army soldiers continued to wear the army version of the Parachutist badge.  The Waffen-SS personnel of the 500, 501 or 502 SS-Parachute Battalions were awarded the Luftwaffe badge after they passed the jump and other test requirements.

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