Luftwaffe Erdkampf Badge - Genuine or not ?

[AlecH]

Hello Everyone,

I've been offered a small convolute from a former WW2 German Parachutist who recently died, within the convolute was this Erdkampf Badge. It has no makers mark, to my untutored eye the finish on the back looks very rough, but then I know next to nothing about this badge. What do members think, is this badge is the real thing ? I must apologize, I took only these two shots and forgot to take one with the pin open. Hope there's enough to see, for members to form a opinion. Any information appreciated.

Regards

[AlecH]

Reverse -

[J Temple-West]

I would go for an extremely battle weary original, maker unknown.

Based on the wreath, the closest match would be for a firm by the name of Friedrich Linden; Ludenscheid.... the only problem is that the eagle does not match that maker.

There is an unknown maker that used this type of wreath style and an unusual flat ‘coke bottle’ pin/hinge assembly and seeing that it appears that the pin/hinge assembly on this one has been replaced, I would say it belongs to that maker.

[AlecH]

Hi John,

Thanks for your post, an interesting read, did you notice on the eagles chest the small indent, I thought it may have been connected with holding rivet, but looking again at the back, I can't find any trace of a rivet. Here's a couple of photos of the back, pin & catch, perhaps you may see something new. Thanks again for the extra information.

Best Wishes

Alec