Fallschirmschützenabzeichen des Heeres

Textbook Pre-War Heer Paratrooper Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen des Heeres) – 2nd Pattern Solid Tombac Construction by C.E. Juncker. An exceptionally rare, original pre-war German Army Paratrooper Badge (Fallschirmschützenabzeichen des Heeres). As one of the most elusive combat awards of World War II, the Army variant represents a premier artifact due to the very limited size of the early Army Parachute troops (Fallschirminfanterie-Bataillon) before they were absorbed into the Luftwaffe in 1939. This outstanding example features the documented pre-war 2nd Pattern design, characterized by the sturdier, integrated leg and talon configuration. Unlike late-war zinc issues, this early piece is struck in heavy, high-quality solid tombac alloy. Both the army eagle and the laurel-and-oak-leaf wreath display an exceptional level of sharp, crisp detail from the original master mold. The reverse features the classic pre-war narrow block hinge, a slender vertical needle pin, and a hand-soldered round wire catch. Directly below the hinge is the factory-integral stabilizing pin, an authentic workshop trait unique to this early production run by C.E. Juncker (Berlin).Forensically, the badge is completely unaltered and weighs a textbook 26 grams, perfectly matching established historical database standards for this specific tombac variant. The piece retains an amazing, untouched dark natural patina with beautiful "touch wear" on the prominent front wing. A true pinnacle centerpiece for the advanced collector of elite militaria, free from any post-war repairs or modifications.