Submarine War Badge, by Gebrüder Wegerhoff
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.GTR.0901.102.09.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
(U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen). A badge constructed of gilded zink, a horizontal oval-shaped laurel wreath, bearing a central motif of a U-Boat travelling left, the badge is open above and below the submarine, the wreath is held together at the bottom with a stylized band, the top of the badge shows a national eagle with spread wings looking to the left, sitting on a mobile swastika, which in turn connects by its lower arm to the U-Boat conning tower, the reverse presents a vertical pinback, maker marked with the logo for Gebrüder Wegerhoff, measuring 48.46 mm (w) x 39.00 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, and in near very fine condition.
The Submarine War Badge was originally instituted in January of 1918 and it was later revived by Adolf Hitler on October 13th, 1939. The Badge was conferred upon U-Boat crews who were exceptional at locating and destroying enemy vessels.
To receive the badge, an individual had to participate in at least two operational missions or had to participate in at least one successful sortie against the enemy. In addition, if an individual was wounded during a mission, they were also eligible to receive the badge. If a sailor was killed in the line of duty, his badge would be sent to his next-of-kin. The award could be conferred upon officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men, as long as they fulfilled one of the criteria listed above. The awards were issued at the discretion of the U-boat's captain.
The first badges were manufactured by Schwerin & Sohn (Berlin) and were composed of tombac. The finishes vary and include real gold and artificial gold washes. Cloth badges were produced but rarely worn.
Badges by Gebrüder Wegerhoff are marked with the company’s logo, the letters “GWL” arranged vertically within a circle. Badges are made of zinc.
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