The Luftwaffe Paratrooper Badge
The medal was established in Berlin on November 5, 1936, by the Reich Minister of Aviation and Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring. It was one of the activity badges of the German Air Force during World War II. Thus, the Paratrooper Badge is not a decoration in the true sense of the word.
Design of the Paratrooper Badge
A tall oval badge made of non-ferrous metal, zinc, or aluminum. The wreath is formed of oak leaves and laurel, each half of the wreath. A gilt eagle, swooping to the left, is placed on top. A swastika is in its claws. The wreath is blackened, partially silver-plated.
Typical manufacturers were CE Juncker, Berlin (CEJ); Jimme & Sohn, Berlin; Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid; Assmann & Sohn, Lüdenscheid (A); Berg & Nolte, Lüdenscheid (B&NL); Gebrüder Wegerhoff, Lüdenscheid (GWL); and Brüder Schneider AG, Vienna (BSW). However, badges without manufacturer markings also exist.
Requirements for the award of the Paratrooper Badge
The badge was awarded to all members of the Air Force upon completion of the paratrooper training course.
Award numbers of the Air Gunner's Badge
Unfortunately, there are currently no detailed information or figures on the number of Paratrooper Badges awarded. However, it can be assumed that over 100.000 have been awarded.
Wearing the Paratrooper Badge
The Paratrooper Badge was worn as a pin badge on the left side of the chest. Should the wearer also be Iron Cross 1nd Class awarded, the Parachutist Badge had to be worn below the Iron Cross.
The certificate for the Paratrooper Badge
A certificate (certificate of ownership) was issued for the award. Furthermore, the award was recorded in the Sold book and the Wehrpass of the person authorized. In addition, every paratrooper was in possession of a paratrooper license, a blue folding card with a photograph.
Value and purchase of a paratrooper badge
Due to the sheer variety of variations, a value can only be determined individually. Individual badges, depending on the design, can range in price from €250 to €1.500. Entire estates, including certificates, photos, uniforms, etc., can sometimes be worth well over €4.000. However, certificates, documents, photos, and cases are also of interest to militaria collectors and can sometimes fetch astonishing prices.
Generally speaking, the paratrooper theme is popular and sought-after among collectors. And we're always interested in purchasing items.
