Heer Paratrooper Badge for Check Please

[Tim O.]

Hi Guys

I know this is a Heer badge and does not really belong here but as the early Heer Paratroopers ended up in the Luftwaffe I hope I am forgiven.

I have been trying to reassemble the medals and badges awarded to a paratrooper, who qualified with the Army. The toughest badge to find is the Heer Paratrooper Award Badge and I was keen to get an aluminium version. From the research I have done I believe this second pattern badge by Juncker is spot-on but as I have never owned one before I would welcome the verdict from those who know.

The catch may be repaired but it has been done so well it does not bother me. The badge itself has clearly been worn but is in generally good condition. Personally I prefer this condition to mint/unused.

I hope all checks out OK!

Thanks for the help
Tim O.

[Tim O.]

Front and back

[Tim O.]

Details

[Tim O.]

Hinge and catch

[Tim O.]

Rivets

[Tim O.]

Talons and portrait

[Jean-Claude]

Hi Tim, what a beauty...

You must have been a very good boy this year because Santa was particularly nice to you my friend! I dont know much about these so wait for the experts but it looks like a very nice untouched aluminum Heer Para to me (including the catch form what I can see) with great finish

Best regards & Merry Xmas

JC

[Tim O.]

Thanks JC. Best wishes to you too. I think all is good with this one but these days it is hard to be certain without expert help!

[Sebastien T]

Textbook para Tim a real beauty.

Seb

[Tim O.]

Thanks Seb. I thought it was OK but it is great to get confirmation.

Best wishes
Tim O

[George L]

Tim, that's a nice Army Para with no repairs.

[Tim O.]

Thanks George. The badge was sold as having a repaired catch. The style of catch is not exactly as the books show but the gilding does not seem to have been damaged so I thought it was original too.

Best wishes
Tim O

[Stan]

Looks spot on to me as well.

Stan

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Tim,

Gorgeous original Juncker Para for me as well. However, I do suspect the catch is replaced to be honest. The first clue is the thicker, gold finish on the catch itself. It looks painted on rather than anodized like the gold finish on the rest of the badge. If you look close at the catch you can see how it differs with the surrounding area IMO.

The wear on the finish of the catch also doesn't look natural to me.

A very good repair IMO.

Tom

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Tim,

Gorgeous original Juncker Para for me as well. However, I do suspect the catch is replaced to be honest. The first clue is the thicker, gold finish on the catch itself. It looks painted on rather than anodized like the gold finish on the rest of the badge. If you look close at the catch you can see how it differs with the surrounding area IMO.

The wear on the finish of the catch also doesn't look natural to me.

A very good repair IMO.

Tom

My thoughts too. A lovely badge with a professional catch repair that has been carefully painted. As it was sold as such, the seller obviously knew what they were dealing with.

Regards
Mike