*German, WW2, Luftwaffe Fallschirmjager – Paratrooper – Badge, by BSW – Brüder Schneider AG – Wien*
An early WWII German Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger badge in silvered and gilded tombac with a beautiful patina. The obverse features a wreath of laurel and oak leaves with a superimposed diving eagle clutching a swastika in its talons. The reverse includes two rivets securing the eagle to the wreath, with the maker’s mark BSW within a clover leaf – Brüder Schneider AG – Wien, clearly visible, and is complete with a classic barrel hinge and round wire catch.
The Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen) was awarded to qualified parachutists of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS. Instituted by Hermann Göring on November 5, 1936, it was initially awarded to Luftwaffe personnel after completing six jumps.
The badge depicts a diving eagle with a swastika in its claws, surrounded by a silver wreath. Originally, the eagle was made of gold-finished bronze and the laurel leaves of oxidized silver plate. In 1937, the badge construction changed to aluminum, and in late 1942, to a metal alloy. A cloth version of the badge was authorized in 1937 for wear on a flight jacket. An army version (Fallschirmschützen-Abzeichen des Heeres) was introduced on September 1, 1937, with the swastika at the top of the wreath and a smaller upright eagle. Recipients had to re-qualify for the badge each year. The army’s parachute company, established in 1936 and expanded to a battalion in 1938, transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1939, with soldiers continuing to wear the army version of the badge. Waffen-SS personnel from the 500, 501, or 502 SS-Parachute Battalions were awarded the Luftwaffe badge upon passing the required tests.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Beautiful early and rare paratrooper bird! Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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