{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-rare-heer-army-flak-anti-aircraft-artillery-badge-unmarked","title":"Original German WWII Rare Heer Army Flak Anti-Aircraft Artillery Badge - Unmarked","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: Only One Available. This is a lovely patinated example of the rare Army Anti-Aircraft Flak Badge (\u003cem\u003eHeeres-Flak Abzeichen\u003c\/em\u003e). The army emplacements were fewer in number by far than the Luftwaffe ones, and they also were awarded points at a slower rate, which led to far fewer being award. The badge is constructed of silvered zinc alloy, presenting as an oval oak leaf wreath consisting of eight oak leaves and multiple acorns, topped by a closed-wing \u003cem\u003eHeer\u003c\/em\u003e (Army) style German national eagle clutching a mobile swas. In the middle is Flak 88 facing towards the top right, with the barrel extending past the wreath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse is plain with a steel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a bent round wire catch. There is no maker mark on the reverse, but this is not uncommon, and comparison with known examples may be able to identify the maker. The medal measures approximately 1.75 inches (44.80 mm) x 2.4 inches (60.02 mm) weighing 31.0 grams. Offered in excellent condition, these were originally brighter in color, but the original silver wash has oxidized and tarnished, now displaying a lovely dark patina.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Army Anti-Aircraft Badge\u003c\/strong\u003e or Army Flak Badge (\u003cem\u003eHeeres-Flak-Abzeichen\u003c\/em\u003e) was a German military decoration awarded to German Army personnel for service in an anti-aircraft battery during World War II. Designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, it was of single piece construction. The pin back and clasp badge was grey metal in color. The badge was made in one grade; it had the national eagle at the top and an oak leaf wreath around the outside rim. In the middle was an 88 mm flak gun with the barrel facing upwards to the \"viewer's\" right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCriteria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCriteria for the award came from a recommendation by commanders of the rank of General der Artillerie or above. It was awarded after the accumulation of 16 points or could also be awarded outside of the points system for an act of merit or bravery in the performance of anti-aircraft duties. If the candidates' battery brought down an enemy aircraft then the crew members were awarded four points. If two batteries were involved then each battery received two points. Both officers and crews were eligible for the badge. The commanding officer for an anti-aircraft unit was eligible for the badge once half of his men also qualified for the badge. Unlike the similar German Air Force Anti-Aircraft Flak Battle Badge (\u003cem\u003eFlak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe\u003c\/em\u003e), points were only awarded for the downing of aircraft and not ground targets. The award was also available to searchlight crews and sound-locator crews. German Army searchlight crews and sound-locator crews which assisted in the action by detection of aircraft could be awarded one point each.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43967163760709,"sku":"ONJR25SEAM50","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25SEAM50__01_3b77e6e4-0ce5-4435-8d07-1da5bf15c401.jpg?v=1763046396","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-rare-heer-army-flak-anti-aircraft-artillery-badge-unmarked","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}