Article about: These badges came to me thru Volksjager, whop also sold me my West German Helmet....all these badges belonged to the soldier who owned the helmet. I believe the small skull pin is a unit thi
Many such pins depicting military branch- and unit symbols or vehicles are available; here's that product category on one of the above dealers' websites:
I cannot comment on the question of whether that pin is worn on-duty with BW uniforms at all, but if so, it would surely be on an individual and strictly unofficial basis without even local authorization. (The use of traditions symbols - especially those with such connotations as a Death's Head - is a very sensitive matter in the Bundeswehr.)
HPL2008 is quite right about the "Skull" traditions badge.....I have never seen one worn within the BW, I think it would lead a discipline charge if it was, and not worn by a "Der Speiss" ! who is a figure head in the company, and set examples ! The other badges, "Panzergrenadiertruppe" beret badge, "Panzeraufklarungstruppen" beret badge, a bronze grade "Reservisten" Leistungsabzeichen (Proficiency badge), next, all three grades, bronze,silver and gold badges that affix to the "Shutzenschnur" (Marksmanship lanyard), the last badge is a "Tatigkeitsabzeichen" (Trade badge) Silver grade for "Fuhungsdeinstpersonel". Of course some pin badges have been seen worn on combat clothig/hats, equipment whilst in service with the BW, heres a Flecktarn cap with a "Marder" pin attached, I would imagine signifying Panzergrenadier ! and a rank badge on the rear.
Nice set of badges !
Prost ! Steve.
Thanks for all the info, I can certainly understand the issue with the "skull" badge....
I remember even in the Australian Army it caused concern....one of the LAV troops in 2 CAV REGT had a totenkopf painted on their vehicles as an unofficial troop sign, and they were quickly told to remove it !!
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