Heer/Waffen-SS Driver Qualification Badge in Gold in Original LDO Paper Wrapping

On 23rd October 1942 Germany introduced a series of three Motor Vehicle Driver’s Proficiency Badges in the grades of bronze, silver and gold with qualifications for bestowal of the badges being retroactive to 1’st December 1940. The badges were awarded to both Wehrmacht, (Armed Forces), personnel and civilian personnel, including Foreign volunteers and auxiliary personnel, under Wehrmacht command, who had fulfilled the required criteria. The criteria for bestowal of one of the badges varied with exceptional driving ability and vehicle maintenance being the main considerations and also included a prescribed amount of days under difficult weather or combat conditions. When awarded the badge was accompanied by an award certificate and was to be worn on the lower left sleeve of the field blouse and service tunic. The badges were mounted on cloth bases which were to match the uniform it was to be worn on. This example in bronze, is the lowest of the three grades.

Stamped magnetic alloy award with a gilt finish .Complete with original backing plate. The backing plate show some light surface rust and the badge is in very good condition with most of the gilt finish all intact. The badge comes in its original LDO papper/envelope.

Scarce to find an un-issued example in LDO package!!