Original WW2 German Luftwaffe Luftnachrichtentruppe WHW Tinnie Badge

Original WW2 German Luftwaffe Luftnachrichtentruppe WHW Tinnie Badge .

Original Second World War German Luftwaffe WHW (Winterhilfswerk) fundraising badge representing the Luftnachrichtentruppe – the Luftwaffe Signals and Communications Corps.

A very attractive and unusual original WW2 German Luftwaffe WHW tinnie/badge, depicting a stylised Luftwaffe standard incorporating the Luftwaffe eagle and wreath emblem.

The badge is particularly interesting because the reverse is clearly marked:

“LUFTNACHRICHTENTRUPPE 4 We.”

The Luftnachrichtentruppe was the German Luftwaffe’s signals and communications branch. Its personnel were responsible for the extensive communications networks required to coordinate Luftwaffe aircraft, ground stations, command posts and air operations throughout the Second World War.

The badge is produced in the characteristic pressed/moulded plastic or Bakelite-type construction used for a number of WHW fundraising pieces. The front retains its attractive painted finish, with the Luftwaffe eagle and wreath prominently displayed against the stylised geometric background.

The original pin and fastening arrangement remain present, making this a particularly nice example for the collector of German WW2 insignia, Luftwaffe memorabilia or Winterhilfswerk items.

Historical Background

The Winterhilfswerk des Deutschen Volkes (WHW) was a large-scale German fundraising organisation established to provide welfare assistance. During the 1930s and wartime period, WHW fundraising campaigns produced an enormous variety of small collectible badges, figures and tokens.

These items were distributed to contributors and were often produced around particular themes, organisations, occupations and branches of the German state and armed forces. The collecting aspect encouraged people to obtain different examples, with many of the badges being produced in inexpensive materials such as pressed metal, plastic and composite materials.

This example is specifically associated with the Luftnachrichtentruppe, making it an interesting piece for collectors concentrating on Luftwaffe signals, communications and technical branches.

Details
Country: Germany
Period: WW2 / Third Reich era
Date: Circa 1940
Organisation: Luftwaffe
Branch: Luftnachrichtentruppe – Air Signals/Communications Corps
Type: WHW fundraising badge / tinnie
Reverse marking: LUFTNACHRICHTENTRUPPE 4 We.
Construction: Moulded/pressed plastic-type material
Original pin: Present
Subject: Luftwaffe standard, eagle and wreath
Condition: Very good original used condition with age-related wear and patina
A Scarce Luftwaffe Collectors’ Piece

A particularly interesting original German WW2 Luftwaffe WHW badge, with the specific Luftnachrichtentruppe designation making it considerably more specialised than a generic WHW issue.

An excellent addition to a collection of WW2 German militaria, Luftwaffe insignia, German WHW badges, Luftwaffe signals equipment or Third Reich collectables.