Description
Product Description: This Juncker Heer Paratrooper Badge is an attractive example of an exceptionally desirable and scarce badge, that could be the highlight of a collection of awards. It is a wartime made piece that is struck from two pieces of fine zinc. The wreath of oak leaves and distinctive Army eagle emblem retain decent gold wash. There is a light patina throughout, and the zinc is peeking through the finish in small areas. The central diving eagle emblem has mostly reverted to the gray color of the base metal but some traces of the original silver finish remain evident. The dull gray eagle contrasts handsomely with the intact gold on the wreath. This badge is unmarked, but this variant is well-known as a product of Juncker, a desirable maker. The edges of the badge have nice hand filed details, a feature which is seen on many Juncker produced badges. On the reverse, this Juncker Heer Paratrooper Badge is all-original and untouched, with mild patina and toning. The attachment hardware is typical for Juncker, with a short barrel hinge, flatwire “C” catch, and blackened round wire pin that remains functional. The parts of the badge are firmly held together with two textbook Tombak Juncker-style rivets. This pieces is a very appealing gem that remains absolutely original in all aspects. The condition rates as excellent.
Historical Description: Prior to September 1937, German Army personnel who had successfully qualified as paratroopers had been awarded the Luftwaffe version of this badge. The German Heer wanted a distinctive badge to recognize the achievement of its own paratroopers. On September 1, 1937, the Heer Paratrooper Badge was officially instituted. The Heer version was similar in design to that of the Luftwaffe badge; however the new Heer version would utilize a Heer Reichsadler at the top of the wreath and remove the large swastika clutched in the diving eagles talons. At the end of successful training, the badge was awarded. Due to the small numbers of Heer Paratroopers to qualify, these early badges are scarce. At the time of the badge’s first issue in 1937, just over 170 men were decorated with the award. The earliest Heer paratrooper badges were made of die struck aluminum, with a gold anodized wreath and silver anodized eagle. They were produced exclusively by C.E. Juncker in Berlin. A second aluminum version was also produced, using a slightly different die that added reinforcement to the fragile eagle talons and head of the eagle at the top of the wreath. A silver version, also produced by Juncker, could be privately purchased. The silver version was stamped .800 for silver content, and many had a custom engraving on the reverse that included the recipient’s name. In 1939, the Luftwaffe absorbed all Heer Paratroopers, and the badge was discontinued. In April 1943, a new German Army parachutist unit was organized, and on June 1, 1943, the Heer Paratrooper Badge was reinstated. The 1943 pattern badges were also manufactured by C. E. Juncker, using the same dies used for previous production, but like most wartime badges, these were now made from zinc. A second manufacturer, Friedrich Linden (FLL) also produced the badge in 1943. Because of the very small total number of German Army Paratroopers who became eligible for this badge from 1937-1945, it was produced in very limited numbers and is today considered a scarce award.
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