The WWII German Air Force Anti-aircraft badge was instituted on July 18th 1941. The designer was Wilhelm Peekhaus and the original manufacturer was the Juncker firm.

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.

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.

The picture on the right (bottom) shows a good example of how the pin has an "S" shape. If you look closely you'll see how there is a small indentation on the body of the badge which matches the bottom of the "S" when the pin is closed.