This original German WWII Heer breast eagle patch is a uniform-removed example still attached to a partial swatch of its original tunic fabric. The insignia is in heavily worn, field-used condition, with significant fading, fabric fraying, and overall "salty" appearance consistent with prolonged service wear. The removal was done during the period, preserving the authentic relationship between insignia and uniform material.

The Wehrmacht Heer breast eagle was worn on the right breast of service tunics by all enlisted personnel and officers and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the German Army during the Second World War. Uniform-removed examples are particularly valued by collectors, as they reflect real wartime use rather than unissued or depot-stored insignia. The heavy wear seen on this piece offers a direct glimpse into frontline conditions and daily service realities.

Combat-worn Heer eagles with original tunic fabric remain highly collectible for their authenticity and character. This example appeals to collectors who value honest service wear and field provenance over pristine condition, making it a strong addition to any WWII German uniform or insignia collection.

Provenance:We were privileged to receive first right of refusal on an expansive and long-held Texas WWII veteran collection, assembled over a lifetime by a gentleman in his 80s who recently chose to part with his holdings in full. Opportunities to acquire intact collections of this depth and integrity are exceedingly rare, and we secured the collection in its entirety. Within it were exceptionally scarce and highly unusual pieces of German wartime memorabilia seldom encountered on the open market. It is our honor to present select offerings from this remarkable assemblage in this auction and the next. The provenance is outstanding, and the material speaks for itself.

★ ★

Honest Wear or As Found - Standard Wear, medium to heavy use, or other wear/patina that adds to the item's character and authenticity. Typically the state of most Antiques and Antiquities. Also refers to militaria that has seen extensive field wear with lots of character, often desired by collectors and referred to as "salty". For Antiquities, ground or river finds may be labelled As Found which means they are Untouched, uncleaned, and in original condition from discovery. Any state of Amateur or Professional Restoration or Preservation will be noted.

Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions' proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.