Product Description: A finely preserved example of German Second World War insignia, the Heer M39 Breast Eagle – BeVo is emblematic of the restrained precision and craftsmanship associated with period Heer uniform accoutrements. Woven in the BeVo technique and zig zag machine attached to wool backing, the eagle displays the crisp detailing and balanced proportions characteristic of enlisted men’s issue insignia of the era.
The composition retains remarkable clarity in the weave, the outstretched wings and national emblem rendered with notable definition. Evidence of mothing is visible at the periphery, consistent with age and storage; however, the central device remains unaffected and presents to excellent effect.
Well-preserved examples of this type are increasingly sought after, and this Heer M39 Breast Eagle – BeVo represents a desirable and authentic addition to advanced collections of German military textiles.
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.
