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ORIGINAL FRENCH MILITARY PARACHUTIST WINGS — DRAGO PARIS — MODEL 1946!
An exceptional addition to any collection of French airborne military history!
Offered from a military collector\'s collection is an original French Army Military Parachutist Qualification Badge, known as the Brevet de Parachutiste Militaire, featuring the iconic French airborne design introduced in 1946.
This impressive full-size badge measures approximately 3.2–3.3 inches across the wings and bears the recognized DRAGO PARIS manufacturer\'s markings.
Unlike generic reproduction insignia, this example displays the traditional construction details associated with collectible French military parachutist wings, including a textured reverse and distinctive two-loop retaining-bar fastening.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The French military parachutist qualification badge was established in June 1946, following the Second World War, as France reorganized and developed its modern airborne forces.
The insignia became an enduring symbol of French military parachute qualification and the elite traditions of French airborne troops.
French parachutist units subsequently played significant roles in postwar military operations, particularly during the conflicts in Indochina and Algeria.
The badge\'s design reflects the proud identity and specialized training of French military parachutists.
DRAGO PARIS — HISTORIC FRENCH MILITARY INSIGNIA MANUFACTURER
This badge bears the markings of DRAGO PARIS, a respected French manufacturer associated with military decorations, unit insignia, and qualification badges.
The manufacturer\'s name is stamped on the upper left of the reverse parachute canopy, with PARIS positioned on the upper right.
These markings, together with the distinctive textured reverse and traditional fastening system, are particularly interesting details for collectors researching French military insignia production.
DISTINCTIVE ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION
The reverse displays a beautiful crosshatched or guilloché-style texture.
Two metal retaining loops secure a long horizontal removable bar, a recognized fastening arrangement found on original French military qualification insignia.
This is not a conventional modern butterfly-clutch attachment.
The traditional fastening construction adds to the historical character and collector appeal of this piece.
DESIGN DETAILS
The front features a dramatically sculpted open parachute canopy with contrasting dark recessed panels.
Beautifully detailed silver-tone wings extend outward from either side, while gold-tone laurel and oak foliage frames the lower portion of the parachute.
A decorative five-pointed star completes the design beneath the canopy.
The combination of silver and gold finishes gives the badge a striking appearance and makes it particularly attractive for display.
COLLECTOR HIGHLIGHTS
• Original French military parachutist qualification badge
• Historic Model 1946 design
• DRAGO PARIS manufacturer markings
• From a military collector\'s collection
• Full-size example, approximately 3.2–3.3 inches wide
• Silver-tone parachute and extended wings
• Contrasting gold-tone laurel and oak foliage
• Detailed central star
• Distinctive crosshatched reverse
• Traditional two-loop retaining-bar fastening
• Original-style aged patina
• No visible serial number
• Desirable French airborne military collectible
COLLECTOR INTEREST
An excellent addition to collections specializing in:
French Army militaria
Military parachutist qualification badges
French airborne forces
Post-WWII military history
French Indochina and Algeria-era military collectibles
DRAGO PARIS insignia
International paratrooper and airborne wings
This is a particularly appealing piece for collectors who appreciate original military insignia with identifiable maker\'s markings, traditional construction, and surviving historical character.
The exact original badge pictured is the one you will receive.
From Echoes of WWII — preserving military history and the remarkable artifacts of generations past.
