Heer Bullion Officer Breast Eagle Cut-Off

Product Description:  Heer Bullion Officer Breast Eagle Cut-Off, a finely executed example of German Army insignia, featuring bullion thread embroidery on a bottle green backing.  Wool backing to bullion shows loss. The reverse retains remnants of the original field gray wool tunic, indicating the piece was cut directly from the garment. The bullion work displays crisp detail and strong definition, reflecting the quality associated with officer-grade insignia.

The attached field gray wool shows areas of mothing consistent with period wear and age. The bullion embroidery itself remains well preserved, and the piece presents in very good overall condition. A desirable Heer Bullion Officer Breast Eagle Cut-Off, suitable for inclusion in a focused militaria or Third Reich–era insignia collection.

The present cut-off originates from a substantial private collection assembled over more than three decades, encompassing a wide range of Second World War–era German insignia across all branches and types. The final photograph illustrates the broader grouping from which this example is offered. Additional uniform cut-off eagles from this same collection are presented in related lots.

Historical Description: The German Armed Forces (Wehrmacht), as formed in 1935, and as they existed until the end of World War 2, consisted of the Army (Heer), the Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the Navy (Kriegsmarine). The Waffen-SS fell under the command of the Wehrmacht during the war. Each of these branches of service had a unique eagle design that was worn on both the formal dress and parade uniforms, and the field uniforms, of the members of that branch. These eagles were worn on soft headgear, including service and field caps, as well as on the uniform jacket. In the Heer, the Luftwaffe, and the Kriegsmarine, this eagle was worn on the chest of the tunic; collectors have termed these “breast eagles.” The Heer and the Luftwaffe generally used the same eagle style, though variations in color of the eagle or the backing distinguish between the two. The Luftwaffe used their own flying eagle emblem. The Waffen-SS sleeve eagle (and cap eagle) had wings that came to a distinctive tapered point. The cap, breast and sleeve eagles used by the various military branches were manufactured in many variations. There were machine-woven and machine embroidered versions, usually used by officers and NCOs. Hand-embroidered bullion wire eagles were typically for officers. There were metal eagles, for caps, or for uniforms that were intended to have detachable insignia. There were even eagles embroidered on camouflage fabric, intended for use on special field uniforms. There were also eagles in specific colors for use on tropical uniforms. Some of these eagles were mass-produced and are still common today. Others were, and are, very rare.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates. Inquiries

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com