L022679 GRADE FIVE MARKSMEN'S LANYARD. (Schützenschnur)

BACKGROUND: The Reichsluftwaffe was official established on February 26TH 1935 as the third branch of service of the Armed Forces. On March 9TH 1935 the formation of the new Reichsluftwaffe was announced to the foreign press and on March 16TH conscription was reintroduced for all three branches of service. On May 21ST 1935 the Reichsluftwaffe designation was altered to Luftwaffe. Originally, (Circa April 1935), Luftwaffe marksmen were distinguished by the army pattern series of marksmen’s sleeve stripes that were introduced during the Weimar era on January 27TH 1928. On June 29TH 1936 the army introduced a new pattern marksmen’s lanyard to replace the previously used sleeve stripes and on September 30TH 1936 the Luftwaffe followed the army’s lead by introducing their own pattern marksmen lanyards. The Luftwaffe marksmen’s lanyards were issued in twelve ascending grades with grade one being the lowest and grade twelve being the highest. The color of the lanyard cords and shield insignia and the addition of acorns/artillery shells differentiated the specific grades. The lanyards were accompanied with an award certificate and were worn suspended from under the right shoulder board/strap and affixed to the top closure button of almost all uniforms. Only EM/NCO ranks were eligible for award of the marksmen’s lanyards. Of Interest: Award of the army marksmen’s lanyards was discontinued on February 14TH 1941 to be reinstituted at the successful conclusion of the war while it seems that eligible Luftwaffe personnel continued wear of the marksmen’s lanyards through-out the conflict.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The grade five marksmen’s lanyard consists of a interwoven braiding in bright, silver/aluminum wire threads with Luftwaffe blue/grey, artificial silk threads interwoven in a repeating "V" pattern. The top and bottom edges of the interwoven braid each have a bright, interwoven silver/aluminum wire slide and button attachment loops. Protective backing fabric has been removed from the reverse of the lanyard. Vertically oval, silver washed, stamped aluminum shield featuring an outer oak-leaf wreath encompassing a cut-out, second pattern, nicely detailed, Luftwaffe eagle. The lanyard is in overall very good condition with minor age and usage toning. Scarce.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $298.00

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