Germany, Luftwaffe. A Rare & Mint Fallschirmjäger Badge, Type E with Case, by F.W. Assmann & Söhne

(Fallschirmschützenabzeichen mit Etui). Constructed of nickel-silver and gilded tombak, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel and oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, overlaid by a diving Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, the reverse with two spun rivets securing the eagle in position, reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a C-shaped round wire catch, maker marked with the “toes-up” variation of the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid, measuring 43.73 mm (w) x 53.40 mm (h) (inclusive of eagle), weighing 38.6 grams, accompanied by a later-period presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux blue leather exterior liner executed in an alligator skin pattern, the lid bearing a gilt inscription of “FALLSCHIRMSCHÜTZEN=ABZEICHEN” in Fraktur script, the interior featuring a blue felt lid liner and slotted blue felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 82 mm (w) x 82 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), the so-called GWL- (Gebrüder Wegerhoff) style case demonstrating moderate material fatigue and is in a better than very fine condition, while the badge concealed within is an early example demonstrating exceptional quality of both construction and preservation and remains in a virtually mint condition.