Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Luftwaffe Radio Operator and Air Gunner Badge, commonly known as the Fliegerschützenabzeichen für Bordfunker. The full designation is generally given as the Luftwaffen-Fliegerschützen-Bordfunker-und Bordmechanikerabzeichen, or Combined Air Gunner, Radio Operator and Flight Engineer Badge. It was awarded to qualified Luftwaffe radio operators, air gunners, and flight engineers who had completed the required training or operational flying requirements.

The badge was normally awarded after two months of training or participation in at least five operational flights. If the recipient was wounded during an operational flight, the badge could be awarded earlier. In June 1942, a separate badge was introduced for air gunners and flight engineers. That later badge followed the same general design, but the eagle no longer clutched lightning bolts.

This example appears to be of mid-war zinc alloy construction. The obverse consists of a wreath made up of oak leaves on one side and laurel leaves on the other, with a mobile swas (hook cross) at the base. Superimposed over the wreath is a flying eagle clutching lightning bolts in its talons, the distinguishing feature of the Radio Operator and Air Gunner Badge.

The reverse is plain and fitted with a vertical pin, barrel hinge, and flat wire catch. The reverse of the eagle is maker marked:

W. DEUMER
LÜDENSCHEID

This identifies the manufacturer as Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, a well known German maker of military decorations, belt buckles, buttons, and other uniform accoutrements.

The badge is in very good overall condition and has developed an attractive aged and oxidized patina. When originally issued, the wreath would have had a silvered finish and the eagle would have been blackened. Most of the original finish has worn or oxidized away, although traces of silvering remain visible on the front of the wreath.

Additional silvering remains on the hinge and catch assembly on the reverse, something frequently encountered on these badges. These fittings were often made from brass or another non-ferrous metal that retained its plated finish better than the zinc body. The pin also appears to have been silver plated and has since tarnished to a darker tone.

The combination of the desirable Deumer maker marking, intact hardware, mid-war zinc construction, and well developed patina makes this an appealing original Luftwaffe qualification badge with plenty of character.