1957er Fliegerschützenabzeichen

[HPL2008]

Acquired from two different sources during the last weeks, here are my latest additions, two 1957er Fliegerschützenabzeichen (both with and without the lightning bolts).

First, some brief background information:

The Fliegerschützenabzeichen [Aircrew Badge] was instituted on 26 March 1936. The badge came in three different types:

On the Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordfunker [Aircrew Badge for Radio Operators], AKA Fliegerschützenabzeichen mit Blitzbündel, the eagle grasped a bundle of lightning bolts [i.e. a Blitzbündel].
The lightning bolts were absent on the Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordmechaniker und Bordschützen [Aircrew Badge for Flight Mechanics and Air Gunners] AKA Fliegerschützenabzeichen ohne Blitzbündel.

Following an order of 25 April 1944, personnel who were not qualified in either one of these three military occupational specialties, but who served on Luftwaffe aircraft as crewmembers could be awarded the badge without the bundle of lightning bolts and with a black wreath if they had taken part in at least 10 combat flights (an earlier award was possible if they were wounded during one of these flights). This one is known as the Fliegerschützenabzeichen ohne Blitzbündel in Schwarz.

Both badges side by side:

[HPL2008]

Both pieces were made by Steinhauer & Lück and are of the later (post-1968) period.

Here are some additional obverse and reverse views of the badge for radio operators...:

[HPL2008]

...and of the badge for air gunners and flight mechanics:








As always, all comments are welcome.

[big ned]

Hi Andreas,

Two nice examples by Steinhauer & Luck, these are becoming more collectable.

Regards, Ned.

[Combat Boots]

Excellent condition and nicely photographed! Thanks for the background information also. Bob