Tätigkeitsabzeichen für Fallschirmspringer 1957-1958 - Parachutists Badge 1957-1958 - Assmann Basic with splint pins

[Sleepwalker]

Hello,

I wanted to show you a secured original of the German paratrooper badge as a reference.

This badge was approved on March 31, 1957 by the Federal Minister of Defense Josef Strauss. This is actually only reserved for the then Federal President.
Due to these differences, the Federal President asked the Federal President to submit proposals for the design of a new badge as soon as possible.

It was allowed to continue to be worn until a new badge was introduced. However, the award ceremony was stopped (at least officially) until April 11, 1958.

Due to the short time available, these badges were available in a basic version in black and a senior version in silver.
There are two known manufacturers: Assmann, Lüdenscheid and Seinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid. Both manufacturers have produced a version with a pin back fastener and splint pins.

These Assmann badges have been stamped, never cast.

This is the version in basic (black) with splint pins.

[Jack59]

Hi Sleepwalker, nice thread for those early para badges. I can now see the differences between the cast and the stamped ones. To be honest I didn't have a clue on the manufacturing proccess. I don't collect badges but I did jump out of airplanes & helicopters so I'm still interested in related militaria.

Regards.
Jack

[cvrwdvr]

To continue on the thread I've attached pics of my pre 1960 FJ awards: 1956 US style ; 1957 Wehrmacht style, and 1958 Eisenbahner abzeichen.
The 1957 award is of cast construction, with no maker's mark, and stud fittings. Is this simply another variant ? I've had this for many years and doubt if they were being faked at that time.

[Sleepwalker]

Hello,

this badge is a reproduction. It is not a contemporary piece.





I don't specifically say fake put into circulation with the intention of cheating. These badges were sold as reproductions in barracks shops until at least the late 1990s.

They are available with pins and safety pins. They are cast badges.





















The 1956-1957 US style badge needs to be looked at more closely. The jump wing in senior version is not a piece that was awarded at the time (graduates of the para course at the 11th ABN Div. received the basic version. Further courses were no longer offered due to the time-limited training there and its own German para school).

The oval / background trimming needs to be looked at more closely. At first glance, I personally don't think it's contemporary either. But that is a separate topic in itself.


West-German Paratrooper qualification badge 1956-1957 - Jump wings

Regards