Start here
WWII German Military Badges: Identification and Authentication
Guide to WWII German military badges: the main types, how to spot genuine pieces, what to check before buying, and how to preserve them safely.
Medals, Badges and Insignia
German Badges and Awards
WWII German combat, wound and assault badges, the Iron Cross and Knights Cross, and the eagle symbols they carry.
Does Germany still use the eagle symbol?
Yes, Germany still uses an eagle as its national emblem, the Bundesadler. Here is where it appears today and how it differs from the Nazi-era eagle.
How to Identify a Real WWII Iron Cross 1939
How to tell a genuine 1939 Iron Cross from a fake: construction, magnet tests, paint, maker marks, patina, ribbon and documentation, and where each check misleads.
The German Army Edelweiss Badge
The German Army edelweiss badge worn by mountain troops: what the flower stood for, the main badge types, and how to check a piece before you buy.
The Knight's Cross and War Merit Cross: Germany's Highest WWII Awards
The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross: what each was for, and which counts as Germany's highest WWII award.
The WWII German Eagle Badge
The WWII German eagle badge: the state, party and branch eagles, where they were worn, how to check an original, and the legal limits on owning one.
What does the Teutonic cross mean?
The Teutonic cross is the black cross of the medieval Teutonic Order. Here is what it stood for, how it relates to the Iron Cross, and how to read it in context.
What is the WWII German Eagle called?
There is no single name for the WWII German eagle. Here are the terms collectors use, the official and heraldic names, and how to tell them apart.
WWII German Infantry and Panzer Assault Badges: How to Identify Them
How to identify WWII German assault badges, from the silver and bronze Infantry Assault Badge to the Panzer, General and Close Combat Clasp.
WWII German Wound Badge: Gold, Silver and Black Grades Explained
The WWII German Wound Badge came in black, silver and gold grades based on the number of wounds. Here is how the grades worked and how to check a badge.
Related topics