Boxed Luftwaffe FLAK War Badge by GWL (Flak-Kampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe)
Price: Sold
DESCRIPTION: German WWII Boxed Luftwaffe FLAK War Badge maker marked GWL (Gebruder Wegerhoff)- an uncommon early zinc badge retaining nearly all its finish; this maker most easily identified by the thin surface-crack line at the right side of the gun base, which all originals have some form of. Integral cast hinge & pin hook; distinctive bulbous eagles beak and uniquely shaped rivets are a dead giveaway of originality on this badge maker; Comes in its original blue, titled cardboard box; badge mint, box very good.
BACKGROUND: The Flak Artillery War Badge was introduced by Hermann Göring on January 10TH 1941, for award to air defence crews including searchlight and sound detection personnel. Originally the Flak Artillery War Badge was awarded to personnel for both aerial and ground target victories until the introduction of the Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge on March 31st 1942, after which the Flak Artillery War Badge was only awarded for successful aerial target victories. Bestowal of the award was originally rendered on a point structure system with sixteen points required to be presented the badge, although the criteria was modified during the war. Of Note: The Flak arm is often viewed as a secondary arm of service within the Luftwaffe when in fact during the war between half and two thirds of all Luftwaffe personnel served in it.
