GERMAN WW2 FALLSCHIRMJAGER PARACHUTIST BADGE

This mid-war Luftwaffe qualification paratrooper badge has a slightly vaulted design with hand finished diving eagle clutching a swastika in its talons on a die struck silver wreath comprised of laurel and oak leaves.

The unmarked Luftwaffe Paratrooper badge is made of a silvered and gilded zink - but with nearly all its finish worn off.  The paratrooper badge has a 2 piece construction held with 2 domed rivets, thin vertical T style pinback, soldered catch and hinge with dark original patina.

It was worn over the left breast pocket.

The Paratrooper’s qualification badge was instituted by Hermann Göring on November 5th, 1936 for award to Luftwaffe personnel who had written the required tests and completed six parachute jumps. Individuals who were awarded the badge were obligated to requalify annually in order to retain it. On May 2nd, 1944, award of the badge was extended to include Luftwaffe medical, administrative and legal personnel who had passed the required tests and completed one parachute jump.