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Ribbon eagle device for Luftwaffe Long Service Medals is a reproduction of the small metal emblem fitted to the ribbon of German armed forces long-service decorations for service in the air force. This piece was not an award in itself, but an accessory used to complete the medal ribbon and identify the branch of service.
The Wehrmacht long-service decorations were instituted in 1936 and divided into several classes according to length of service. Each branch used a distinctive ribbon device. The Luftwaffe adopted a flying eagle with outstretched wings, a more dynamic and aviation-oriented form than the eagle devices used for the Heer or Kriegsmarine. Its purpose was to make the air-force connection immediately visible on the ribbon or ribbon bar.
From a technical point of view, the device was usually made from stamped or cast metal, with raised detail, compact proportions and rear attachments such as prongs or tabs for fixing it to the ribbon. Modern reproductions retain the characteristic Luftwaffe eagle silhouette, with central body, extended wings and a size suitable for full-size medal ribbons or ribbon bars.
Although small, this device played an important role in uniform display. It turned a plain ribbon into a specific indicator of long military service, branch affiliation and award class. In the case of the Luftwaffe, the flying eagle profile directly reflected the identity of the air arm and distinguished the decoration from the equivalent long-service awards of the army and navy.
Curiosity: the blue ribbon used for Wehrmacht long-service decorations could appear very similar across branches. For this reason, the metal device carried much of the identifying information: a small Luftwaffe eagle immediately showed that the recognized service had been performed in the German Air Force.
