Heer Paratrooper Badge – Juncker

Product Description: A finely preserved Heer Paratrooper Badge – Juncker, representing the scarce 1943 pattern, executed in high-quality wartime zinc and exhibiting exceptional original character. The obverse presents a remarkably intact finish for a zinc piece of this period: the wreath retains approximately 80% of its gold wash, with gentle wear to the raised elements revealing the muted grey of the underlying metal. A subtle, even patina lends depth while allowing traces of the original sheen to remain. The eagle, rendered with outstanding detail, retains much of its original silvering, creating a striking contrast against the gilt wreath.

The reverse is characteristically unmarked, consistent with known Heer Paratrooper Badge – Juncker production of this late-war variant. Typical untouched Juncker rivets are present, and the hardware—comprising the maker’s later-war block hinge, catch plate, and fully functional round wire pin.

A notably difficult badge to acquire in such authentic and harmonious condition, this example displays superbly and would prove challenging to improve upon. Condition: Excellent Plus.

Historical Description: The Heer Paratrooper Badge was officially instituted on September 1, 1937. Prior to that time, German Army personnel who had successfully qualified as paratroopers had been awarded the Luftwaffe version of this badge. The Heer version was very similar to that of the Luftwaffe but incorporated the German Army eagle emblem at the top of the wreath; because the Army eagle already carried a swastika, the swastika was omitted on the central, diving eagle device. German Army paratroopers were awarded this badge at the completion of their training. Because the number of parachutists in the German Army was very small, only limited numbers of these badges were produced. At the time of the badge’s first issue in 1937, just over 170 men were decorated with this award. The earliest Heer paratrooper badges were made of die struck aluminum, with an anodized finish, and bore an early form of the C. E. Juncker manufacturer stamp on the reverse. A slightly later Juncker aluminum version was also produced, using a different die, and usually omitting the manufacturer stamp. Soldiers to whom this badge had been awarded, could also purchase extremely high-quality silver versions of this award, stamped .800 for silver content, and usually with a custom engraving on the reverse that included the recipient’s name. In 1939, the German Army’s airborne troops were transferred to the Luftwaffe, and the badge was discontinued. In April 1943, a new German Army parachutist unit was organized, and on June 1, 1943, the Heer Paratrooper Badge was accordingly re-instituted. These 1943 pattern badges were also struck by C. E. Juncker, using the same dies used for previous production, but like most wartime badges, these were now made from zinc. Because of the very small total number of elite German Army airborne soldiers eligible for this badge from 1937-1945, it was produced in very limited numbers.

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