Germany, Luftwaffe. A Rare Gilded Ground Assault Badge by C.E. Juncker

(Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe). A rare and unusual example of a Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge, constructed of gilded and blackened nickel-silver (gilded highlights are burnished) and without any question gilding was done before the eagle was riveted on the base; the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath tied together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a Luftwaffe-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, on top of a storm cloud with a stylized lightning bolt striking the ground, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “C.E. Juncker, Berlin S.W.”, measuring 42.61 mm (w) x 55.79 mm (h), weighing 39.2 grams, evidence of to gilded features, otherwise in extremely fine condition. Provenance Footnote: Andreas Thies Auction 2011. Footnote: This rare type was also examined and discussed on Wehrmacht Awards Forums, with a broad consensus on authenticity and rarity. The thread can be found at: http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=946454