Radio Operator/Air Gunner Badge by JMME

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Luftwaffe Awards > Radio Operator / Air Gunner Badge

Cased - Radio Operator/Air Gunner Badge by JMME A Luftwaffen Fliegerschützen Bordfunker und Bordmechanikerabzeichen im Etui by IMME & Sohn of Berlin. Introduced January 19, 1935, an airman could receive the badge after passing a qualification exam and completing a minimum of five missions over enemy territory or two months of training or earlier if wounded in the process of an operational flight. It is a two-piece construction made out of die struck nickel-silver that has been silver washed and chemically blackened. The obverse the badge depicts an open-winged Luftwaffe eagle clutching four lightning bolts in its talons. The eagle is in front of a half laurel leaf and berry half oak leaf and acorn wreath and has a mobile swastika to the very bottom. The reverse of the badge correctly displays the “JMME” maker mark behind the eagle. The reverse also shows; a soldered-on tombak barrel hinge, soldered-on tombak round wire catch, round wire pin and two rivets. JMME only used Jucker parts. This Type 2b variation was made between c.1940-1943 and is very uncommon. There is the slightest cracking to the edge. The badge depicts beautiful details throughout the eagle’s wings, head and wreath. It measures 2 1/8 inches tall by 1 5/8 inches wide. It comes housed in its appropriate issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained blue leatherette. To the front is a tombak round push button. To the back is a steel, staggered, piano hinge. To the very top in the gold foil Gothic style script it reads: “Luftwaffen Flieger-Schützenabz.”. The interior-bottom of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a light blue velvet material and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. The interior top is covered in a purple satin material. The lid sits a bit crooked but could be fixed. The case measures 2 11/16 inches wide and 3 3/16 inches deep and 15/16 of an inch thick. A wonderful assembly.