Luftwaffe Flak Badge – WH – Zinc

Product Description:  A late-war Luftwaffe Flak Badge – WH – Zinc, produced by W. Hobacher, executed in zinc with the expected characteristics of late-period manufacture. The badge presents attractively, retaining a pleasing, even finish to the eagle. The wreath and flak gun exhibit traces of the original finish, now largely worn to the underlying zinc base metal, consistent with age and wear. Minor oxidation is visible, most notably along both sides of the wreath.

The reverse displays correct and characteristic Hobacher hardware, comprising a sheet-metal barrel hinge, a round wire pin, and a round wire catch of the typical “?” form. The catch shows an area of excess solder, which may represent a period repair. The maker’s mark “W.H.” is crisply stamped to the lower portion of the reverse.

Overall, a well-preserved and honest example of the Luftwaffe Flak Badge – WH – Zinc, offering strong visual appeal and desirable maker attribution, with wear and patination appropriate to a late-war zinc issue.

Historical Description: On the 18th of July 1941, the Heer Flak Badge was institiuted by the OKW. It was intended to award personnel of Army and Waffen-SS units for the downing of enemy aircraft. Like the Luftwaffe version, its awarding was based upon a point system.  16 points were required for the qualification of the badge, which still had to then be reviewed and authorized by the units commanders.  While the devastating 88mm guns were used with great effect against ground targets such as tanks and other vehicles, no points would be credited towards the Heer Flak Badge by engaging ground units. This award was strictly for the downing aircraft.

The badge itself is of a somewhat simple design.  An 88mm gun resting on a gun emplacement was surrounded by an oakleaves wreath. Placed at the top is the “Reichsadler” eagle clutching a mobile swastika.  These badges are found primarily in zinc, but a rarer form does exist in a higher quality tombak/brass base metal.

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