BACKGROUND: The U-Boat War Badge was instituted by Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine und Großadmiral, (Commander in Chief of the Navy and Grand Admiral), Erich Raeder on October 13^TH 1939 for award to all ranks of U-Boat personnel who had served on at least two sorties against the enemy or were wounded in action. The badge was to be worn on the lower left breast of most uniforms.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Injection molded alloy construction badge with a gilt wash is in the form of a horizontally oval laurel leaf wreath with a national eagle with spread wings, superimposed to the top center, encompassing a profile view of a submarine. The badge is nicely detailed and features veins to the laurel leaves, cut-out detailing to the arms of the swastika, the submarines conning tower, flag, and the forward deck gun. The gilt wash is retained about 85% with numerous small lifting bubbles and has faded to a matte silvery/tan shade. The plain reverse has an integral hinge, a thin round vertical pin and an integral catch all intact. The reverse of the badge is well marked with the impressed, stylized, manufacturers initials within a circular border, "GWL", indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Wegerhoff of Lüdenscheid.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $445.00