Original German WWII Luftwaffe sports shirt breast eagle, machine woven in black on white cloth. This style of insignia was intended for wear on Luftwaffe athletic and sports garments and remains one of the more visually distinctive cloth eagles produced during the Third Reich period.
The eagle remains in excellent display condition, retaining strong detail and crisp woven construction. The reverse exhibits the typical woven pattern expected of period examples.
Included with the insignia is an original colorized photograph of a Royal Canadian Air Force serviceman identified as Flight Lieutenant Ken Landers, Navigator, Snowy Owl Squadron #420, who served during the Second World War. Also included is a handwritten note that accompanied the grouping when acquired.
According to the account provided by the previous owner, Flight Lieutenant Landers was captured during the war and later liberated near the end of the conflict. Family history associated with this grouping states that shortly after liberation, while searching for food in a nearby German village, he entered a local dentist’s office where no food was available. The Luftwaffe sports eagle was reportedly found displayed in a frame on the wall and was subsequently brought home as a wartime souvenir.
As with many veteran bring-back stories, the historical account cannot be independently documented and is presented as family provenance accompanying the item. Regardless, the included photograph and note create an interesting and attractive display grouping linking the insignia to a named Canadian veteran.
Condition: Excellent display condition with light age toning and minor edge wear. Veteran photograph and handwritten provenance note included.
Branch: Luftwaffe
Type: Sports Shirt Breast Eagle (Sporthemdadler)
Construction: Machine woven (BeVo-style)
Backing: White cloth
Period: WWII
