Germany, Luftwaffe. A Ground Assault Badge, by J.E. Hammer & Söhne

(Erdkampfabzeichen der Luftwaffe). Constructed of silvered and patinated zink, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, overlaying a stylized cloud from which a lightning bolt emanates and strikes the ground, the reverse with a central visible rivet securing the eagle in place, with a crimped barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 43.05 mm (w) x 56.12 mm (h), weighing 37.7 grams, accompanied by its period original package of issue, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “LUFTWAFFEN-ERDKAMP-ABZEICHEN” and a maker’s mark of “J.E. HAMMER & SÖHNE, GERINGSWALDE”, measuring 56 mm (w) x 105 mm (h), a rare example of a Ground Assault Badge in near mint condition.