Luftwaffe 'Erdkampfabzeichen'

Description

Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge (Erdkampfabzeichen). The Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge was introduced by 'Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring' on 31 March 1942. For award to all Luftwaffe personnel who had distinguished themselves in ground combat. Certain criteria had to be met for award of the badge with the main criteria being three separate ground combat actions. This badge is a nice 'Zink' example, still showing most of its original finish, the badge is having a separately attached silver eagle complete with all three rivets. The badge is nicely maker marked with 'R.K.' which is indicating production by the company of 'Rudolf A. Karneth & Söhne' from Gablonz an der Neiße. The badge has naturally a functional pin & catch construction, this is the version with the wide-pin. The hinge however is very crudly period attached/soldered, see photos. Nice original badge in good used condition!