Original German WWII Luftwaffe Radio Operator & Air Gunner Badge by F. W. Assmann & Söhne with Museum Tag

Original Item: Only One Available. The Radio Operator & Air Gunner's Badge (Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordfunker) is a commonly accepted title for the Luftwaffen-Fliegerschützen-Bordfunker-und Bordmechanikerabzeichen (Combined Air Gunner, Radio Operator and Flight Engineer Badge). It was a German military decoration awarded to radio operators, air gunners and mechanics (flight engineers) who were members of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) after they completed two months training or had taken part in at least five operational flights. If wounded during an operational flight, the badge could be awarded and worn earlier. Later in June 1942, a separate badge was introduced for air gunners and flight engineers. That badge had the same qualifications, and was identical, except that the eagle is not clutching lightning bolts.

This example looks to be manufactured from mid-late war zinc alloy. The obverse of the badge consists of a half oak half laurel wreath with a mobile swas (hook cross) at the base, with an "in flight eagle" superimposed on the badge holding lightning bolts in it's talons. The reverse is plain, with a vertical pin, a barrel hinge, and a flat wire catch. The back of the badge is maker marked on the eagle with the double serif "barred A" trademark of F. W. Assmann & Söhne of Lüdenscheid, a large maker of belts, buttons, and other accoutrements. This is one of the more desirable makers of the badge.

Offered in very good condition, with a great aged and oxidized patina. As issued the wreath would usually be silvered and the Eagle would be blacked, however now there is just a bit of the silvering remaining on the front of the wreath. There is also still silvering present on the hinger and the pin catch on the reverse, as we often see. They are often made from brass, which retains the silvering far better than the zinc alloy, and testing with a magnet gives no reaction.

This example came with a display tag / card from the Battlefield Military Museum at Gettysburg, and has the display information written on the back. It indicates that there is "no maker's mark" and it was "uncoated badge from the factory", however it definitely is maker marked, and we think we can see some silvering in areas.

A lovely patinated example of a hard to find Luftwaffe badge!