pre-WW2 Polish LOPP Parachute Sports Badge – Tower Jumps (Category III)

This is one of the earliest Polish parachute badges introduced in the late 1930s by the League of Air and Anti-Gas Defense (LOPP). It was awarded to jumpers who completed courses organized by LOPP.

The presented example was awarded for parachute jumps from a tower (Category III). A comprehensive description of LOPP Parachute Sports Badges can be found in Mr. Rafał Niedziela’s book, Tobie Ojczyzno: Parachute and Glider Badges in the Polish Armed Forces 1941-1947. As Mr. Niedziela states: “These badges remain relatively unknown in the collector community and are virtually absent in museum collections.”

The badge is in the shape of a parachute with a white canopy, featuring stylized red enamel letters “LOPP.” Originally, the badge had a miniature tower above the canopy, which was likely removed by the original owner. The reverse side is smooth with a threaded post and a screw-on back. The parachute’s white canopy is likely repaired (varnish?).  Condition as in the photographs.