Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early German WWII Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge, or Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe, manufactured from tombak rather than the later zinc alloys commonly encountered as the war progressed. The badge remains unmarked and is a solid back construction with a shallow recessed area behind the gun.

The design consists of an oval oak leaf wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom, surmounted by a Luftwaffe eagle clutching a swas (hook cross). At the center is an 88 mm anti-aircraft gun with its barrel angled upward toward the right and extending beyond the edge of the wreath.

The badge measures approximately:

2.4 inches (61 mm) tall
1.7 inches (43 mm) wide

The reverse is fitted with a vertical needle style pin, a pressed round hinge, and a round wire catch. The catch is somewhat bent, but the pin still engages it correctly and remains securely in place.

This early example is manufactured from tombak, a copper based alloy somewhat similar in appearance to brass. The badge retains much of its original decorative finish. Over the decades, the plating has developed areas of tarnish and darker patina within the recessed portions, while the raised surfaces remain somewhat brighter. The details of the eagle, wreath, and artillery piece remain well defined, with only minimal wear.

There is no visible maker marking. This is not unusual on early examples of the Luftwaffe Flak Battle Badge, many of which were produced without an identifying manufacturer mark.

The Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge was instituted on January 10, 1941, by Hermann Göring in his capacity as Commander in Chief of the Luftwaffe. Designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, the badge was awarded to personnel serving with Luftwaffe anti-aircraft artillery who distinguished themselves during combat against enemy aircraft or ground targets.

The badge was produced in a single grade and was worn on the lower portion of the left breast pocket of the service tunic. When the recipient had also been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the Flak badge was worn beneath it.

Eligibility was generally based upon a points system. A recipient normally qualified after accumulating 16 points, although the award could also be made independently of the points system for particular acts of merit or bravery while performing air defense duties.

When a battery shot down an enemy aircraft, participating crew members could receive four points. If two batteries were jointly responsible, each battery could receive two points. Both officers and enlisted personnel were eligible. A commanding officer could also qualify once half of the personnel under his command had received the badge.

Searchlight and sound locating personnel were also eligible when their work contributed directly to successful engagements. Personnel operating this equipment could receive points for assisting with the detection and engagement of enemy aircraft.

The badge was not limited entirely to aerial engagements. Before the introduction of the Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge, participation in separate combat actions against tanks, bunkers, ships, and other ground or surface targets could also contribute toward qualification.

With its early tombak construction, strong original detail, intact pin assembly, and attractive aged finish, this is a particularly appealing unmarked example of the Luftwaffe Flak Battle Badge.