Original German WWII Early Tombak Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge - Unmarked

Item DescriptionOriginal Items: Only One Available. This is a great Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge (Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe). It is a textbook example, consisting of an oak leaf wreath, with a ribbon on the bottom, and a Luftwaffe eagle on the top of the badge, clutching aswas(hook cross), and a Flak 88 facing towards the top right, with the barrel extending paste the badge. This is an early war version made from tombak alloy (somewhat similar to brass) and is a solid back design with just a bit of a 'scoop' in the back of the gun. The back of the badge has a vertical needle style pin with a pressed in round hinge, and a round wire catch; measuring 2.4 inches (61 mm) x 1.7 inches (43 mm); offered in very good condition. The bent flat wire catch is a little bent, but the pin still fits into it and holds without issue.The details are still all there on this badge, with minimal wear. The intact decorative plating has tarnished in areas over the decades, giving it a lovely patina in the recessed areas, while the raised areas are brighter. There is no maker marked on the badge, but that is not uncommon for these early awards.A great early example of a hard to find badge, ready to display!Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge (German:Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe) was a World War II military decoration of NSDAP Germany. It was instituted on 10 January 1941 by Hermann Göring in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Luftwaffe. The badge was awarded to servicemen of the Flak artillery who distinguished themselves in action against enemy aerial or ground attacks.Designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, the badge was of single piece construction with a pin back and clasp. It was made in one grade; it had a Luftwaffe eagle at the top, and an oak leaf wreath around the outside rim. In the middle was an 88 mm flak gun with the barrel facing upwards to the right. The badge was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded.It was awarded after the accumulation of 16 points or could also be awarded outside of the points system for an act of merit or bravery in the performance of air defense duties. If the candidates' battery brought down an enemy aircraft then the crew members were awarded four points. If two batteries were involved then each battery received two points. Both officers and crews were eligible for the badge. The commanding officer for an anti-aircraft unit was eligible for the badge once half of his men also qualified for the badge. The award was also available to searchlight crews and sound-locator crews. Searchlight and sound-locator crews which assisted in the action by detection of aircraft could be awarded one point each. The German Army had a similar badge, however, earning points towards it were only awarded for the downing of aircraft and not for ground targets. Prior to the introduction of the Ground Assault Badge of the Luftwaffe, this badge could be awarded to a serviceman for the participation in three separate combat operations against tanks, bunkers or ships.Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or GermanyPayment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationDue to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.