Old Man in a Luftwaffe Uniform - Interesting Badges and Accessories

[Mike H]

I ran this photo in the "Photos" forum but not much response there.

This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual photos in my Luftwaffe collection. Here we have a WWI veteran (note WWI EK1 and wound badge) but in a Third Reich Luftwaffe uniform. Note, however, the naval dagger!

There are also two pins he is wearing above his WWI awards (which is unusual in itself) that are unknown to me. The bottom bottom on the pocket has three aircraft or gliders on it. Hard to see in the image. The badge above is one I need help with, too. I don't know this one.

He is wearing an officer uniform, though I can't see any silver cord around his visor's top nor is there any cord on the edge of the collar. Also, note the civilian tie -- I guess the only one he had handy for the photo.

All around, an interesting photo and a story here we will never know.

Mike Heuer

[Mike H]

Awards

The best I can do on the awards ...

[Mike H]

Uniform

In fact, I am not even sure this is a Luftwaffe uniform he is wearing -- perhaps something just put together by this old veteran.

Mike

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

I'm sorry I can't help, but the photo reminds me of some "bemedaled" soldiers that I saw leaving Fort Knox, fresh out of Basic training. Maybe he missed out on any real action in his youth, and decided to create his own legacy later in life by awarding himself the medals, and rank that he would have liked to have earned.

[CRBeery]

The top badge is actually a painted plastic tinnie. It is one of the more colorful ones you will find.

Also, notice how the dagger is suspended from the button alone - not typical.
CRBeery

[Scott C.]

Possibly a grouping of war booty thrown together for a costume party by a non-German vet? Regardless, it's messed up

[landsknechte]

The plaid tie doesn't really inspire all that much confidence...

[Okrach]

Hi,

Look at the TIE. It is not a military type. The most possible explanation is simply the party costume.

That's my 2 cents.