third reich eagle pin question

[Actionjackson]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6980-1243608854.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6980-1243608999.jpg

This appears to be a cap pin, but I have not seen an eagle of the third reich with the top of the wings completely straight to the tip of the wings. Does anyone have a history on this pin design?

[Actionjackson]

Is this a kriegsmarine eagle? If so, was it worn on the lapel or on a cap?

[Gordon Craig]

Actionjackson,

This looks like the metal eagle worn on the white tunics worn by the Kriegsmarine and the Heer. It appears to bave the small hook on the bottom that this type of eagle had. There was normally three thread loops on the right breast of these tunics. Two for the pin and one lower down that the small hook on the national emblem would fit into. It would appear to be silver so that would make it for the Heer. Acording to John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht in their book "Uniforms of the German Army 1933-1945 Vo. 2 page 63", "early eagles were produced in German silver. After 7 November 1935 they were produced of either a light alloy or silver plate over brass. Wartime specicimens were made of grey light metal and silver plated, which caused them to oxidize easily to grey." General officers had their metal eagles in gold. Sorry that I can not post pictures of one of these from my collection as they are all in storage in North America while I am living in Europe. I've posted a picture below from the book I referenced above. Unfortunately, no picture of the reverse is in the book.

Regards,

Gordon

Edited May 30, 2009 by Gordon Craig