Original German WWII Luftwaffe Radio Operator & Air Gunner Badge by Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid

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-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 eagle is maker marked with W. DEUMER / LÜDENSCHEID, for Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, a famous maker of medals, belt buckles, buttons, and other accoutrements.

Offered in very good condition, with a great aged and oxidized patina. As issued the wreath would 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. The steel pin looks to be silver plated, and has tarnished to a dark color

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