First Class Sniper Badge with Gold Trim

Elevate your collection with this authentic First Class Sniper Badge with Gold Trim, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Hand-embroidered with a gold cord trim and eagle emblem, this Scharfschützenabzeichen was awarded to Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS snipers for achieving 60 enemy kills during World War II (1939–1945). Instituted on August 20, 1944, it later extended to other armed services by High Command order. Below, we explore its historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The First Class Sniper Badge was a prestigious award for elite snipers in the German Army and Waffen-SS, recognizing exceptional marksmanship in battles like Stalingrad (1942–1943) or Normandy (1944). Sewn onto uniforms, this badge signified a sniper’s lethal precision, often operating in high-stakes roles on the Eastern and Western Fronts. Crafted under RZM standards, its gold cord trim denoted the highest tier of the Scharfschützenabzeichen, making it a significant artifact for WWII studies.

Material & Condition

This First Class Sniper Badge features a hand-embroidered eagle emblem with gold cord trim, measuring 6 cm by 5 cm and weighing 8g. Designed for sewing onto Wehrmacht or Waffen-SS uniforms, the fabric base ensures durability, while the gold cord adds a prestigious contrast. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as thread fraying or cord tarnishing, with consistent stitching indicating wartime production. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the precision of wartime craftsmanship.

Collector’s Insight

The First Class Sniper Badge is a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for its connection to elite Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS snipers and its striking design. The gold cord trim and eagle emblem make it a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in sniper awards and Waffen-SS insignia. Its historical significance lies in its association with the Third Reich’s sniper corps, appealing to enthusiasts of military marksmanship history.

This badge is ideal for military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays or living-history events. Given its sensitive historical context, collectors must handle this artifact with respect, using it to educate about WWII’s complexities rather than glorifying the associated regime. For preservation, store the badge in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or case to protect against moisture, UV light, and thread degradation. Displaying it in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation enhances its educational value, offering a tangible link to the era of Nazi Germany’s sniper elite.