Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a small table medal award, given out for one of the many military athletic competitions the Wehrmacht engaged in during the pre-war period to prepare for war. While these did occur at the national and district level, the individual regiments would also have their own competitions and awards. This Luftwaffe Air force competition medal is made from what looks to be bronze alloy, and measures about 1 1/2" across. 

The front of the medal is embossed with a beautiful early pattern "Droop-Tail" Luftwaffe Eagle, surrounded by Flak-Regiment 4 / Dortmund, the unit that held the competition. This unit was originally formed 1 October 1936 in Dortmund, and during the war itself was part of the Luftwaffe 15. Flak-Division. The reverse of the medal indicates what it was awarded for:

Regiments-
Meisterschaften
1937
Z w e i t e r
Im
25 x 100 m. Lauf

This translates to "Regimental Championships 1937 Second Place in the 25 × 100 m Run", which is an event where the runner runs the 100m dash 25 times, walking back to the starting line for each run. It involved both speed and endurance, as one could expect to need both during the war. The included red brown leatherette case measures 2 3/4" square with a height of 3/4". It is in very good condition, showing just a bit of wear around the edges, and the hinge and front catch still work great.

An interesting piece of German WWII memorabilia, ready to display!

The Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.