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WWII GERMAN BADGE - ARMY ANTI AIRCRAFT -
The extensive use of aircraft power during WWII demanded a response from ground forces. This gave birth
to the anti-aircraft defenses. The units in charge of fighting off air attacks were issued a badge
in recognition of their efforts. All branches of the service played a role in this field.
The Army badge was very similar in design to that used by the
Luftwaffe . The
Navy played more of a double role with their defenses,
protecting both the sea and air.
The WWII German Army Anti-aircraft badge was instituted on July 18th 1941.
The designer was Wilhelm Peekhaus and the original
manufacturer
was the Juncker firm of Berlin.
The badge was awarded by using a point system. Originally, the soldier would have to perform a series of actions, each worth a certain number of points. The objective being to accumulate 16 points total.
The actions would include successful airplane detection and downing. As the war progressed the requirements
changed to include acts of bravery.
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The design of the badge consisted of consisted of an oval wreath with the army eagle placed in the top
portion. Inside the wreath resides the profile view of the venerable 88 anti-aircraft gun. The
eagle has the wings retracted and its head faces to the right. very nice detailing to the plumeage.
The bird is clutching a swastika. The artillery piece is placed on a base where the mechanisms for
changing its elevation are visible.
Note that the placement of the eagle exposes a portion of its body outside of the wreath. The same
situation occurs with the tip of the artillery piece.
The back of the badge is flat. It has a
vertical pin . Wire type. It is hinged on one
end and has a catch in the opposite side. Examining the photos that follow, the picture on the right
shows a good example of how the pin has an "S" shape. A closer look reveals the existance of a
small indentation on the body of the badge, which matches the bottom of the "S" when the pin is closed.
The name of the manufacturer of the badge is displayed with raised, block letters inside a rectangular
box.
The badge was worn on the chest area of the
tunic by passing the pin through
a series of loops (Two or more) that were sewn to the jacket.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
badges in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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Like many other badges this one is being
reproduced.
It is important for the collector to pay close
attention to how the badge is constructed. The following pictures capture aspects such as the hinge
and hook mechanisms. Pay special attention to how they are attached to the body of the badge and
the shape and thickness of each component.
If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our WWII German Badges and Awards
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and
Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.
GERMAN ARMY FLAK BADGE VARIATIONS
The German Army Flak badge was produced by several manufacturers and in
different configurations. The following section displays some of the different types
that were manufactured.
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