October 10, 20241 yr #26 Excellent quality embroidery. I know the Germans used stiff paper patterns to produce these aluminum bullion insignia. Still excellent handiwork.
October 11, 20241 yr #27 Luftwaffe flightsuit ranks, original. Sources: Images 1 & 2: personal collection. Image 4: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WW2_Luftwaffe_German_Air_Force_Uniforms_Flying_suits_parachutist_Continental_etc_Newsmap_Vol_2_No_46_3-6-1944_US_Government_National_Archives_NARA_Unrestricted_Public_domain_26-nm-2-46_002_cropped.jpg Images 5 & 6: https://www.ww2online.org/image/luftwaffe-crewmen-flight-gear-eto https://www.ww2online.org/image/three-luftwaffe-airmen-exit-bomber-eto Luftwaffe operational flight badges for other ranks, personal collection:
October 11, 20241 yr #28 Some further information on cloth flight badges being worn: On images 5 & 6 [from the web-site]: "This is a really nice looking flatwire embroidered Luftwaffe Observer's Badge. After years of controversy, the collecting community has declared this pattern to be of post war manufacture." Sources: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/luftwaffe-pilot-badge.html?sortBy=relevant https://epicartifacts.com/product/the-german-luftwaffe-pilot-and-combined-pilot-and-observer-badges/ https://soldiersmuseum.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=78 Addendum... Leather rank! Sources: https://www.alamy.com/ww11-german-pilot-is-briefed-before-a-combat-mission-image67971873.html?imageid=16273082-7883-423F-B69B-DC310EF788C5&p=156366&pn=1&searchId=f1cfd4a31fb891754c353bc590aa6d45&searchtype=0 https://www.ebay.com/itm/255322640302
October 12, 20241 yr #29 Posts 19, 21 & 23, additional information, see Sources. "The Luftwaffe, (Air-Force), introduced a series of three rank chevrons on March 4TH 1938 for wear by the enlisted ranks of Gefreiter, Obergefreiter, Hauptgefreiter with one chevron indicating the rank of Gefreiter, two chevrons for the rank of Obergefreiter, and three chevrons for the rank of Hauptgefreiter. These chevrons were worn on the upper left sleeve of the Service Dress tunic, the Uniform tunic, the Flight blouse and the Greatcoat. Originally the tress utilized on the chevrons was in bright, silver/aluminum wire threads until regulations of September 1ST 1942 discontinued production of the highly visible tress and introduced a less visible, subdued, blue/grey rayon tress. Further regulations dictated that the bright tress be replaced by the subdued tress by October 1ST 1942 although the change over was never fully achieved. Of Note: With the introduction of the rank of Stabsgefreiter on February 4TH 1944, the rank chevron for Hauptgefreiters was altered to two chevrons and the addition of a single rank pip, and the earlier triple chevron insignia was allotted to the rank of Stabsgefreiter." "The Gefreiter’s rank insignia consists of a single, machine woven, subdued rayon, waffle patterned, chevron machine stitched on a green cotton, inverted triangular base. Single pip indicates a Gefreiter with over 6 months service. Scarce to see on the green." [Images 1 &2]. Sources: https://www.germanmilitaria.com/Luftwaffe/photos/L001990.html https://www.germanmilitaria.com/Luftwaffe/photos/L014585.html
October 25, 20241 yr #30 Genuine Luftwaffe BeVo insignia. Sources: Images 1 & 2: https://www.germanmilitaria.com/Luftwaffe/photos/L001189.html Images 3, 4, & 5: https://www.germanmilitaria.com/Luftwaffe/photos/L008486.html
October 28, 20241 yr #31 Reproduction militaria... Luftwaffe cloth. It gets this good these days... Source: Images 1, 2 & 3: https://korsena.com/product/flakhelferin-patch/ [Images 2 & 3 show Korsena's reproductions] Images 4-9: Personal collection. Images 10 & 11: https://www.germanmilitaria.com/Luftwaffe/photos/L001988.html [An original example]
November 2, 20241 yr #32 Original trade badge for sound locator flak crew [Hörcher], established in 1937, second pattern badge [images 1 & 2], and being worn by Luftwaffe Flakhelferin at alarm/duty station [image 3: two women on the right in the photograph]. First pattern badge shown in images 4 & 5. Luftwaffe Flakhelferin badge from Post #31, images 10 & 11 in wear from original period images. Source: http://www.mourningtheancient.com/truth-women-luftx2.htm The Luftwaffe Flugmeldepersonal trade badge, and being worn by female personnel on duty. Source: ibid, Post #32.
July 4, 20251 yr #34 This is neat... Never seen one of these before... Source: https://www.militariasales.com/product/german-luftwaffe-em-nco-breast-eagle-patch-blue-backing/ The coins are all 2 Reichsmark, mintmark "E", from Muldenhütten, 1933, 1934, & 1936 ~ 1939 {inclusive}. Further Reading: https://www.recomine.de/en/muldenhuetten-historical-smelter-complex/
July 4, 20251 yr #35 On 11/16/2018 at 6:45 PM, MECHINF-A15 said: I've always had an interest in ground combat units of the Luftwaffe but my primary interest has always been the German Army. These days I have a small grouping of remaining Luftwaffe insignia that some may find of interest. First up, GI "cut off" bring back from a FJ Unteroffizier in Normandy breast eagle on a Fliegerbluse section and section of the collar. The yellow color on the collar tabs was the waffenfarbe for flight personnel, including pilots, observers, and other aircrew, as well as paratroopers.
July 6, 20251 yr #37 Latest acquisition... $35USD plus $5USD postage. Three days one way from the seller to me. Surprisingly, I've noticed retail prices on these Luftwaffe trade badges have been noticeably declining the past few years.
July 6, 20251 yr #38 Very nice and I agree, some of these types of items have definitely dropped a bit. Unfortunately, others have gone quite a bit the other way..
July 6, 20251 yr #39 Likely the aircrew badges. NCOs/other ranks are what's most commonly found, and the officers/bullion versions so super extra pricey they can get unaffordable.
July 10, 20251 yr #40 Another recent acquisition. Nice tight embroidery in spite of minor damage. Couldn't pass this one up for $40USD.
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