Army Parachutists' Qaulification Badge - CE Juncker - Feinzinc (Ref. H050)

A fine example of the Army Parachutists' Qaulification Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen des Heeres), manufactured by the acclaimed manufacturer, CE Juncker of Berlin.

This example is the later zinc version, produced 1943/44, following the formation of the 15th (Fallschirmjaeger) Kompanie of Brandenburg Regiment 4 on April 1, 1943. The badge was manufactured using the very same dies, as the earlier 2nd pattern aluminium badge. Note for example, the 'beard' under the Wehrmacht Adler's beak.

Zinc badges were also used by some former members of the Fallschirm-Infanterie, either as replacements for their lost or damaged aluminium badges, or simply as copies to wear, instead of their prized issue badges (aluminium). As is correct for these badges, the badge is unmarked.

For further information on the Army Parachutist's Qualification Badge, you will find no finer reference work than Eric Queen's excellent, "Red Shines The Sun: A History Of The Fallschirm-Infanterie" (Bender Publishing, 2002).

Condition: The badge has good levels of finish remaining, both to the eagle and wreath. The pin is a period replacement; otherwise the badge is a textbook feinzinc example. Height: 55mm (to top of adler's head); width: 42.5mm (widest point); weight: 31.5g.

Due to the limited production run, both in terms of time and quantity manufactured, these badges are few and far between. A stunning addition to any display. SOLD