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. As with many other Third Reich badges a machine embroidered cloth version and a miniature lapel pin version of the U-Boat War Badge were also authorized for wear.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die stamped, hollow backed, alloy construction badge with a bright fire gilted finish is in the form of a horizontally oval, laurel leaf wreath with a national eagle with spread wings, clutching a canted swastika in it’s talons, superimposed to the top center, encompassing a cut-out, profile view of a submarine. The badge is nicely detailed and features veins to the laurel leaves and cut-out detailing to the submarines conning tower, flag, and the forward deck gun. The fire gilted finish is retained about 95% and is still quite clean and bright. The hollow reverse is a mirror image of the obverse and has a solid, soldered, hinge, a thin, round, horizontal pin and a heavy soldered catch all intact. Although unmarked, the badge is produced by Hymmen & Co. Very rare version.

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $936.00