An excellent and highly desirable original Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge (Luftwaffen-Erdkampfabzeichen), retaining its original period issue packet from the manufacturer J. C. Hammer & Söhne, Geringswalde. Sets comprising both the badge and its matching maker-marked packet are considerably scarcer than badges encountered on their own and are highly sought after by advanced Luftwaffe award collectors.
€ 580
1 in stock
Instituted on 31 March 1942 by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, the Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge was awarded to Luftwaffe personnel who distinguished themselves in sustained ground combat after being committed to frontline infantry operations. As the war progressed, increasing numbers of Luftwaffe Field Divisions, Flak personnel, airfield defence units and Fallschirmjäger found themselves engaged in prolonged land battles, making this one of the Luftwaffe’s most significant combat decorations.
This example is of two-piece (two-part) construction, a feature associated with higher-quality wartime manufacture. The separately attached silvered tombak eagle, secured to the main body by two concealed rivets, is mounted over the oxidised wreath and cloud motif incorporating the distinctive lightning bolt striking the earth below. The contrasting finishes between the bright eagle and darker wreath create a striking three-dimensional appearance, while the badge exhibits exceptionally crisp detail throughout the feathers, oak leaf wreath and lightning bolt. The attractive untouched patina further enhances its originality and collector appeal.
The reverse retains its original vertical pin, barrel hinge and catch assembly, all appearing untouched and functioning correctly. The construction is entirely consistent with wartime production by J. C. Hammer & Söhne of Geringswalde, a respected but comparatively scarce manufacturer of German military awards.
A particularly desirable aspect of this set is the survival of its original titled issue packet, printed “Luftwaffen Erdkampf Abzeichen”, with the reverse bearing the manufacturer’s ink stamp:
J. C. Hammer & Söhne
Geringswalde
Original packets were frequently discarded after presentation, making surviving examples increasingly scarce, especially when still paired with their original badge.
The badge remains in very good original condition with light honest age wear and an attractive untouched patina. The separate silvered eagle retains excellent definition, while the oxidised wreath and cloud background display pleasing period toning. The pin assembly is complete and fully functional. The original issue packet shows expected age toning and light handling marks but remains structurally sound, with clear front printing and a well-defined manufacturer’s stamp on the reverse.
Complete two-piece Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge sets accompanied by their original maker-marked issue packets are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. This is an excellent example from the desirable maker J. C. Hammer & Söhne, Geringswalde, and represents a superb opportunity for the serious collector of original Luftwaffe awards and Second World War German militaria.
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