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THE GERMAN PARATROOPER OF WWII (FALLSCHIMJAGER) - The German Paratrooper (fallschirmjager) saw action in all the major battles of WWII. From Western Europe to the Balkans, and the infamous assault on the island of Crete. Hitler's sky warriors revolutionized warfare. As a result of their legendary bravery in battle, German paratrooper items are highly sought after.

The following gallery features items that were issued to German Paratroopers during WWII. Information included here allows for the identification of German Paratrooper items. Price data is also included covering the worth of each collectible over a period of several years.

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GERMAN PARATROOPER EQUIPMENT

The use of paratrooper forces brought about the development of a whole new type of equipment. The conditions to which soldiers and equipment were exposed were different than anything else seen before WWII. Some of the gear used had to be reinforced in order to whitstand the forces applied by jumping off an aircraft.




WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER BANDOLEER - This is an interesting piece of equipment. Paratroopers had to carry all of their supplies. The ammo was placed in a heavy duty bandoleer which was worn around the neck.

WWII GERMAN PARATROOPER PARACHUTE - This is the most important item for a paratrooper. Of silk construction. Several cotton strings vonverge into an area that connects to the harness. Camoufalged design.

WWII GERMAN FLARE GUN - Flare pistols were an ideal tool for indicating position or signaling a particular activity. Of aluminum construction. The main body is painted black.

WWII GERMAN PARATROOPER GRAVITY KNIFE - The paratrooper needed a knife in the event that his parachute was hung in a tree or building. It provided the means to which cut himself loose. The blade of the knife comes out vertically.



GERMAN PARATROOPER BADGES AND AWARDS

Most of the badges and awards issued to paratroopers were very similar to those issue to other troops. However, there were some exceptions to that. special badges and patches were designed to recognize the new breed of warriors.




WWII GERMAN ARMY PARATROOPER BADGE - When the paratrooper forces were started they were a part of the army. As such, an Army paratrooper badge was developed. Shortly thereafter the paratroopers were transferred to the Luftwaffe.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER BADGE - /font> When the paratroopers entered combat they did so as part of the Luftwaffe. A new badge was created that was more in line with the design employed by the Air Force.

WWII GERMAN IRON CROSS 1ST CLASS Of three piece construction. The back is plain and has a pin hinged on one end. The other end has a catch. There are several examples of this badge.

WWII GERMAN IRON CROSS SPANG - The Spang was instituted in 1939. It was issued to soldiers who had earned the Iron Cross during WWI. The award had a solid back with a vertical pin.



WWII GERMAN BLACK WOUND BADGE - Instituted on September 1st 1939. The black wounf badge was issued to soldiers who received one or two wounds. The design consists of an ovl wreath with a helmet in the center.

WWII GERMAN SILVER WOUND BADGE - The silver wound badge was issued to soldiers who were wounded three to five times. Solid back with a vertical pin hinged on one end.

WWII GERMAN GOLD WOUND BADGE - The Gold wound badge was issued to soldiers who received five or more wounds. The back of this badge was solid. Most of them had a manufacturer marking.







GERMAN PARATROOPER HELMETS

One of the most iconic pieces of equipment employed by the paratroopers was the helmet. Unlike the other German helmets, the paratrooper had a different type of shape and design. The




WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER HELMET - This helmet is painted in a troical style. Beige color with some dark spots shown sporadically. The liner is present. There are some questions as to the authenticity of this example.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER HELMET - The helmet illustrated here has a dark green paint. No decals on the body. The liner is present and in good condition. An earlier chin strap is displayed.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER HELMET WITH EAGLE - This example of helmet has a single Luftwaffe eagle decal on the side. The helmet shows combat damage with a single bullet hole on one side. The liner is present.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE PARATROOPER HELMET WITH EAGLE - Single Luftwaffe eagle decal. Complete with the chin strap. The liner has been removed but it is present.



GERMAN PARATROOPER UNIFORMS AND HEADGEAR

The development of parachutist troops also required the development of new clothing, headgear and other related items. This section of the website is dedicated to the study of these items. Like in other cases, some of the equipment employed by the paratroopers was also shared with other branches of the service.




WWII GERMAN PARATROOPER JUMP SMOCK - This is one of the specialized uniforms developed specially for the paratrooper. of cotton construction with a camoufalge pattern. A holster was built into the uniform.



WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE BELT AND BUCKLE Aluminum construction buckle with a pebbled face. A wreath is placed in the center with an eagle in flight clutching a swastika.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE M-43 WOOL CAP Blue cotton construction cap with ear protection flaps buttoned to the front. A cloth Luftwaffe eagle is affixed to the front. The visor has multiple stitch lines.

WWII LUFTWAFFE WOOL BREAST EAGLE - many of the Lutfwaffe uniforms had a cloth eagle sewn to the breast area. The eagle has the wings fully extended and is clutching a swastika.

WWII GERMAN LUFTWAFFE BELT AND BUCKLE - This is a Luftwaffe belt and buckle. The belt is made of brown leather. It has a separate strap which enables the buckle to attach. of aluminum construction with an eagle in flight in front.





 
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