Description
Authentic WWII Luftwaffe Paratrooper Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen) – Early Quality, G.H. Osang, Dresden
This is an original World War II German Luftwaffe Paratrooper Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen), an early-quality example manufactured by G.H. Osang of Dresden, a well-regarded wartime maker.
The badge was instituted on November 5, 1936, by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, and served as the qualification badge for Luftwaffe paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger). It was awarded to Luftwaffe personnel who successfully completed parachute training and fulfilled the required number of qualifying jumps.
The design features a diving Luftwaffe eagle clutching a swastika, superimposed over an oval oak and laurel leaf wreath. As typical of early production, the wreath is silver-finished, while the eagle retains its original gilded finish, creating strong contrast and visual depth.
This example is produced in tombac, consistent with early-war manufacture, and exhibits the fine detailing and quality finish expected from Osang. The reverse displays a vertical needle pinback, with a barrel hinge and flat wire catch. The catch is bent and looped too far forward, preventing the pin from fully opening—an honest period flaw noted for accuracy. The badge retains two fully intact countersunk rivets, securing the eagle to the wreath.
The reverse is clearly maker marked “G.H. Osang, Dresden”, confirming originality and desirable early manufacture.
The Fallschirmschützenabzeichen was worn on the left breast pocket of the Luftwaffe uniform and remains one of the most iconic combat qualification badges of the Third Reich. Early tombac examples by Osang are particularly sought after by advanced collectors due to their quality, finish, and wartime provenance.
A fine early-war Luftwaffe paratrooper badge, correctly attributed, maker-marked, and representative of pre-war and early WWII Fallschirmjäger issue.
