Decorations of the Luftwaffe

Large masterfully hand-carved wall plaque made from a single piece of light-colored wood, featuring the Paratrooper Badge in the center, below it the carved inscription "Kreta 1941", upper right the Iron Cross 1939, upper left the comet insignia of the Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment, dimensions 29.5 x 39.5 cm. The plaque was likely made immediately after the fighting by a Greek woodcarver on Crete, with a handwritten artist's signature in Greek on the reverse.
The wooden plaque is completely undamaged, though the wood has warped slightly over the past 85 years, in good condition.

Certainly a one-of-a-kind piece, no other example in this execution is known to us.

Operation Merkur was the code name for the first major airborne operation in the military history of the German paratroopers, supported by mountain troops, for the conquest of the island of Crete. Shortly after the occupation of Greece in the Balkan Campaign of 1941, the German Wehrmacht conquered Crete, defended by Commonwealth and Greek troops, within 12 days, which then remained occupied until the end of the war in 1945. The Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment played a decisive role in the success, albeit with heavy losses. During the fighting on Crete, the regiment suffered over 700 killed and missing.

, Identification badge for civilian employees and guard personnel, brass, partially white lacquered, serial number 1053, on pin, manufacturer: L.Chr.Lauer Nürnberg-Berlin, condition 2.

, identification badge for civilian employees and guard personnel, sheet metal construction, partially black lacquered, serial number "155", complete with leather hanger for buttonhole, condition 2.

Identification badge for civilian employees and guard personnel, brass, partially light blue lacquered, serial number 494, on pin, maker: L.Chr.Lauer Nürnberg-Berlin, condition 2.

Identification badge for civilian employees and guard personnel, aluminum embossed hollow construction, silver-plated and partially enameled, with stamped service number 282. Upper section with leather loop and buttonhole for attachment to uniform. Worn condition, Grade 2.

Two-color machine embroidered, worn condition, Condition Grade 2.

Two-color machine embroidered, padded construction. Lightly worn, condition 2.

machine embroidered, condition 2

Fine zinc, manufactured by Berg & Nolte Lüdenscheid, reverse marked with manufacturer’s mark B&NL, on round magnetic pin, condition 2

Non-ferrous metal construction, manufactured by Berg & Nolte Lüdenscheid, reverse marked on eagle “B & N L”, in matching case with imprint “Luftwaffen=Fliegerschützen=Abzeichen”, interior with dark blue sprayed felt lining and silk padding. Lightly worn, condition 2. Condition 2

Bullion hand-embroidered version for Luftwaffe uniform. Condition 3.

Fine zinc, the eagle Cupal B-Type, round pin.

Silver braided cord with blue interwoven threads, complete with aluminum attachment plaque. Lightly worn, condition 2.

Hand-embroidered bullion wire version for Luftwaffe uniform. Condition 3.

Hand-embroidered metallic bullion thread version for uniform, condition 4.

Hand-embroidered metal bullion execution for the tunic, on gabardine, condition 3.

Ceramic, approximately 13 x 13 cm, reglued after damage.

Hand-embroidered bullion wire version for Luftwaffe uniform. 

Large bronze medal, diameter 95 mm, obverse with large portrait, artist's signature "Rud. Bosselt" at lower rim. Reverse: large Luftwaffe eagle 1st pattern, sun and clouds in background, above "For Services to the German Weather Service". Complete in black presentation case, lid with gold-printed Luftwaffe eagle, lid with gold border. Condition 2.

The Hellmann Medal was initially a state decoration of the Weimar Republic, established on the occasion of Gustav Hellmann's 75th birthday on July 3, 1929 by the Prussian Ministry of Culture in Berlin for long-serving observers of the Prussian meteorological station network. From 1936 to 1945 it served as a state decoration of the German Reich as a non-wearable award of the Luftwaffe.
After the “seizure of power” by the National Socialists in 1933, the authority to award the Hellmann Medal was transferred in May 1934 to the Reich Ministry of Science, Education and Popular Enlightenment. Previously, on April 6, 1934, the Reich Weather Service had been founded. From April 18, 1934, the Reich Weather Service was subordinated to the Reich Aviation Ministry of the German Luftwaffe.

Non-ferrous metal, reverse marked with cloverleaf hallmark “BSW”. The catch professionally resoldered in period, the hinge pin replaced.

Italian manufacture, circa 1944. Enameled version, reverse with pin fitting, in paper bag with maker Bregonzio, Milano. Unworn, condition 2.
Accompanied by a photocopy “Sicher ist sicher! .. auch hinter der Front, Merkbuch Nr. 1” published by “Gen.-Kdo. I. Fsch.-Korps” with illustration of the badge.

Fine zinc, without maker mark. Worn condition, Grade 2

Gilded zinc alloy, reverse marked by manufacturer “R.S.&.S.”, pin is magnetic, catch has been re-soldered.

Zinc alloy construction, eagle soldered on, reverse side without G.B. marking.

Fine zinc construction, gilding faded and only visible on the pin, reverse marked by manufacturer “G.H.Osang Dresden”, magnetic base plate, catch missing!

Non-ferrous metal construction, reverse marked with maker “Imme & Sohn Berlin”. Lightly worn, condition 2.

Zinc, the round pin is magnetic.

Metal thread hand-embroidered officer's version. Reverse side still retains the original price label “RM 6,--”, slightly corroded.

Toned bronze alloy, on thin round pin with ball hinge.

Fine zinc construction, round magnetic pin.

Silver medallion depicting the Parachute Badge, reverse side with motto “Treue um Treue” (Loyalty for Loyalty) and maker's mark of the jeweler in Mailand “800”, complete with silver neck chain, condition 2.
As thanks for the rescue of the art treasures of the Monte Cassino monastery before it was bombed by the Americans, Abbot Gregorio Diamare presented the 1st Parachute Division with, among other things, a small silver donation. From this donation the loyalty chains were created.
Accompanied by a photocopy of an award certificate, with signature “Schulz, Oberst und Divisionsführer Div.-Gef.-Stand”.

Hand-embroidered metal bullion construction for uniform wear, minor moth damage. Unissued condition, grade 2+.

Silver medallion depicting the Paratrooper Badge, dimensions with ring approximately 2.3 x 1.3 cm, reverse side with motto “Treue um Treue” (Loyalty for Loyalty) and manufacturer's mark of the jeweler in Mailand “800”, without chain, condition 2. Accompanied by the original double-sided award certificate, issued to Mrs. Anni Kaufmann, dated “Div. Gef. Std., den 24. Dezember 1944”, with signature “Schulz, Oberst und Divisionsführer Div.-Gef.-Stand”.
As thanks for the rescue of the art treasures of the Monte Cassino monastery before it was bombed by the Americans, Abbot Gregorio Diamare presented the 1st Fallschirmjäger Division with, among other things, a small silver donation. From this, the loyalty chains were created.

round fine zinc badge, serial number 3210, hole at top center for a chain or cord for wearing around the neck, condition 3

on wooden plaque approx. 17.5 x 16.5 cm, reverse side stamped Gustav Becker Schiffswappen Wilhelmshaven.

Cloth insignia, Condition 2.

Bronze-plated base metal, in presentation case with printed text "Frontflugspange für Aufklärer bronze". Condition 2.

Single-color machine-embroidered cloth version, padded. Unissued condition, Condition 2

Particularly fine example, the swastika embroidered in black. Lightly worn, condition 2. Very rare.

Tall oval pin badge, manufactured in silver. Height 30 mm. Reverse with horizontal pin assembly, lower part with 2 jeweler's marks.

Fine zinc, reverse marked with manufacturer's code “GWL”, round magnetic needle.

Non-ferrous metal, the eagle burnished, the wreath silver-plated, without maker mark, Condition 2

Non-ferrous metal, reverse marked by manufacturer "B & N L". Lightly worn, condition 2.

Non-ferrous metal, reverse marked by maker "Jmme & Sohn Berlin", in matching presentation case with printed text "Luftwaffen Flieger=Schützen=Abzeichen", blue silk lining and cardboard insert.

Bronze on ribbon

Machine-embroidered in a "darker" golden-yellow thread, embroidered on thinner linen fabric, length 41 cm, condition 2.
A rare variant.

Non-ferrous metal, with ball hinge, condition 2

Base metal construction, gilding now only preserved on the reverse side.

Manufactured by Friedrich Linden in Lüdenscheid, fine zinc, the riveted overlay is magnetic. The gilding on the front is fading, still preserved on the reverse.

Large decorative certificates for the Cruz de Guerra and the Medalla de la Campaña, on cardboard. Breast star Cruz de la Guerra, Medalla de la Campaña on ribbon with wear bar, in wrapping paper and cardboard. Large shoulder sash with clasp 1936-1939. Letter opener approx. 22 cm. Booklet “Wir kämpfen in Spanien” with Bacher's signature on the inside page. Small tin aircraft in damaged condition.
Sergeant and pilot in the Spanish Civil War with A/88 Aircraft: among others Bf-109 “ROTE 2”.
In 3rd and 2nd JG 52 participant in the Battle of Britain. Shot down on 26.8.1940 between Margate and London over Ramsgate by RAF Squadron No. 54. Then prisoner of war. His decorations: Spanish Cross, Iron Cross 2nd Class, Front Flight Clasp, Cruz de la guerre, La medalla de Campaña.

POW 26 August, 1940 after being shot down over Ramsgate by fighters of RAF No. 54 Sq. shortly after his 2nd victory. He was not injured in the crash landing at Sandwich Golf Club. One known victory, his 1st, a Hawk-75A at Chantilly, 26 May, 1940. His 2nd, a Spitfire at Dover on 26 August, 1940.

machine-embroidered version, approximately 44 cm long

Fine zinc construction, the eagle marked “B&NL” on reverse, round pin.

machine-embroidered version, approx. 45 cm long

Fine zinc silver-plated, the clouds and lightning bolt painted gray, one-piece construction, reverse with thin round magnetic pin.

Fine zinc construction, reverse marked "P. Meybauer Berlin".

machine-embroidered cloth version, condition 2-

Hand-embroidered metallic thread on Luftwaffe blue cloth. Worn piece, condition 2-.

Fine zinc construction, the eagle marked “A L/64” on reverse, iron round pin.

Fine zinc, the gilding completely faded, the gold grade can only be identified by the pin assembly, marked on reverse “Jmme & Sohn Berlin”.

Bronzed iron, with Luftwaffe-blue cloth backing, with back plate and paper covering. Lightly worn condition 2.

In heavily damaged condition, printed text “Luftwaffe Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger Gold”. Very rare.

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal, maker's mark on reverse.

Zinc, reverse with maker “W. Deumer Lüdenscheid”. Worn condition, Condition 2-.

Nickel silver version with engraving "Feldwebel Max Stephanidis am 20.9.42", stamped on the underside of the base "Joh. Wagner & Sohn Alpaka - Feinsilber Auflage". Undamaged and uncleaned, with beautiful even patina, condition 2+.

German silver (Alpaka) version with engraving “Oberfeldwebel Paul Mischke am 16.12.42”, stamped on the underside of the base “Joh. Wagner & Sohn Alpaka - Feinsilber Auflage”. Uncleaned and undamaged, with beautiful even patina, condition 2.
Oberfeldwebel Paul Mischke served as radio operator with 2./Kampfgeschwader 27 and received the German Cross in Gold on July 23, 1943.

Nickel silver construction with engraving “Unteroffizier Willi Ginter am 6.6.42”, stamped on the underside of the base “Joh. Wagner & Sohn Alpaka - Feinsilber Auflage”. Uncleaned, a few small dents on the Iron Cross, the foot also with dings, condition 2-.

Unteroffizier Willi Ginter received his goblet as an aircraft pilot.

Cloth badge, condition 2.

Semi-hollow embossed construction. Silvered tombac, reverse with horizontal pin assembly. Worn piece, pin was repaired during wartime on reverse, condition 2-.

Enameled, height 20 mm, reverse with horizontal pin. Worn piece, minor enamel damage, condition 2-. Rare.

Fine zinc, without maker mark. Lightly worn, condition 2.

, round fine zinc badge, serial number 6313, centrally drilled at top for chain or cord for wearing around neck, condition 3

round fine zinc badge, serial number 6287, drilled hole at top center for chain or cord to wear around neck, condition 3.

, round fine zinc badge, serial number 6161, drilled hole at top center for chain or cord for wearing around the neck, condition 3.

, round fine zinc badge, serial number 6070, hole at top center for a chain or cord for wearing around the neck, condition 3.

, round fine zinc badge, serial number 6248, drilled hole at top center for chain or cord suspension, condition 3.

Very fine example in gold-plated base metal, the wings enameled in blue. Reverse with wide pin and maker mark “C.E. Juncker Berlin SW”, lightly worn, condition 2. 

The clasp and pendant made of fine zinc, gilding faded, reverse with gilded pin assembly, without maker marking. Lightly worn, condition 2. Very rare.

Fine zinc silver-plated, wreath with black lacquer finish, pin iron silver-plated, catch missing, condition 2-3

Identification badge for civilian employees and guard personnel, brass, partially white lacquered, service number 1447, with pin, manufacturer: L.Chr.Lauer Nürnberg-Berlin, condition 2.

Round zinc badge, partially enameled, with pin fastener, bearing serial number 4596, worn condition.
During World War II, DEW manufactured armor plating for tanks and artillery pieces, as well as shells, ordnance, and steel helmets. Board member Walter Rohland in particular was responsible for a significant expansion of DEW's armaments production. This production was partially carried out using forced laborers and concentration camp prisoners; the Neubrücke concentration camp subcamp serves as one example.

Badge of the 4th Staffel, enameled, on long pin, condition 2.

Cross of gilt iron with polished edges, with gilt national eagle mounted on the ribbon, in the presentation packet printed “Dienstauszeichnung I. Klasse”. Unworn, condition 2+.

Two-color machine embroidered, padded construction. Unissued condition, condition 2+.

Machine-embroidered version, length 45 cm, with hemmed ends. Unissued, condition 2+.

Gilt non-ferrous metal, the appliqué burnished.

Hand-embroidered bullion wire construction for uniform wear, Condition 2.

Two-tone machine-embroidered cloth version, worn condition.

Gold-plated non-ferrous metal, polished edges, Condition 2

Fine zinc construction, eagle marked "A" on reverse, iron round pin.

Fine zinc, the eagle soldered on, reverse with maker mark G.B.

Early flat version made of tombac, reverse marked with manufacturer “C.E.Juncker Berlin SW”. The catch has been repaired in period.

Toned zinc alloy, reverse marked with manufacturer’s mark “G.B.”, condition 2.

Nickel silver version with engraving "Feldwebel Heinrich Gärtner am 10.6.42", stamped on the underside of the base "Joh. Wagner & Sohn Alpaka - Feinsilber Auflage". Uncleaned and undamaged, with beautiful light patina, condition 2+.

Feldwebel Heinrich Gärtner received his Honor Goblet as a radio operator in 3.(F.)/Aufklärungsgeschwader 122, awarded the German Cross in Gold on March 20, 1944.

Zinc construction, reverse marked with maker “W. Deumer Lüdenscheid”, worn condition.

Well-worn piece, catch repaired.

Hand-embroidered bullion wire construction for uniform wear, Condition 2

Gold-plated base metal. Condition 2.

Metal thread hand-embroidered version for uniform wear. Unissued condition, condition 2+.