~ German WW2 Luftwaffe Paratroopers Badge By G. H. Osang ~
An early example of a German Paratrooper/Fallschrimjäger badge by G.H. Osang of Dresden.
It is an oval badge constructed of a zinc wreath of oak leaves on the left side and laurel leaves on the right, tied with a ribbon at the bottom, riveted to the wreath is a gilded brass plummeting eagle with a swastika in its claws.
It has a vertical pin with a barrel hinge and a wire catch.
The back of the badge is stamped with the manufacturer name…
G. H. OSANG DRESDEN
and the original owner name of…
Deut
has been scratched just above.
~ Badge History ~
The badge was first established by order of 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 aluminium. 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. A recipient had to re-qualify for the badge each year.
~ Dimensions ~
The badge is 5.3 cm tall by 4.0 cm wide and weighs 33.4g.
~ Condition ~
The badge is in good order, could do with a light clean to the front.
