Bundeswehr caps, cap badges and other collectables

[Michael Ryan]

Hi All, Some Parachute troops badges. There are so many variations of these badges to include backing or field, wing, centre device designs and colours etc., that it would take far too long to describe each style in depth. All conform to the "three grade" seniority norm with Bronze, Silver and Gold grades. The only exception to this rule appears to be the black subdued pattern which appears to be a generic wing. Happy collecting and viewing. Any constructive comment are welcome especially where I have made an error.
Cheers Michael R

PS the non parachute badges are used as fillers.

[Michael Ryan]

Hi, Some BW Flight Wings for view. Hope that they are of interest. Once again, there is such a range and variety of colours etc that it would take for ever to describe each one or each pattern individually so suffice it to say, they are awarded in three basic grades Bronze Silver and Gold.
Cheers MR

[Michael Ryan]

The wings are:

1. Observer.
2. Pilot.
3. Radio Communications.
4. Flight Surgeon.
5. Established Aircrew Members.
6. Flight Engineer.

[Michael Ryan]

Hi All, A few more Bundie badges to view for anyone still interested.
Cheers MR

[Michael Ryan]

Hi A sleight change in direction. Some BW rank structure epaulettes, shoulder slides and arm patches to view. Mainly enlisted personel. A bit boring but I like them!!
Cheers MR

[Michael Ryan]

Hi All, Some more BW insigna to view. Regards MR

[Michael Ryan]

The insignia includes, pre 1962 apex pointed shoulder rank epaulettes for both enlisted and officer personel and a range of BW H, M, and Luftwaffe achievement qualification badges in metal. All follow the standard BW system of grading Bronze, Silver and gold. Note the SNCO epaulettes do not have tress to the edges. The top three epaulettes ar current BW Heer/Luftwaffe Mess Dress for officers.

[Michael Ryan]

Hi All, A breakdown of Bundeswehr Branch and Trade attainment bars. Up to two of these bars may be worn together on the right breast of the various patterns of uniform. Each bar follows the established system of colour codification being Bronze (On completion of 6 months within the branch subsequent to qualification), Silver (On completion of 5 years within the branch subsequent to qualification) and Gold (On completion of 10 years within the branch subsequent to qualification). A number of these bars are applicable to all three Services within the Bundeswehr, some only to a singe and some to dual Services. Thus, in addition to the metal bars, a relatively huge number of cloth patterns exist. The field or backing colour can be a positive indication of the Service to whom the badge belongs but not always. Additionally a wide variety in quality also exists ranging from work uniform to Mess Dress and parade etc. To further complicate the issue, over to evolution of these bars, a large number of patterns have been intruduced and the colours of the actual uniforms amended. Without actually counting the variations, my guess is that there are well over a 1000 and possibly a lot more to collect. If like me, you are daft enough to start collecting these bars you will need a lot of money, space and time. So if you do, happy hunting!!

Regards MR

PS, I will break the bars down into three groups for display purposes. Group 1:

[Michael Ryan]

These bars are:

1. Surface Weapons BW M.
2. Military Musician BW M/H/L.
3. General Service BW M.
4. Air Traffic Control (ATC) BW M/H/L.
5. Military Police (MP) BW H.
6. Seamen BW M.
7. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) BW H/L.
8. Sub Surface Weapons BW M.
9. Sychological Warfare BW L.
10. General Service BW L.
11. Security BW.

Other badges shown include:

12. BW General trade insignia
13. BW Collar patches
14. BW Military Munitions

In the event that you disagree with any of the information in this thread, I would welcome and be greatfull for you opinions and corrections etc.. Cheers MR

[Michael Ryan]

Hi, Part 2 of 3 on these badges. Hope they are of interest Cheers MR.