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KM0012. Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge. This Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge is of the earliest quality being a tombac based example. (os) See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures)
KM0016. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge. Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge with horizontal pin. (os) See pictures...$ 180.00 (Pictures)
KM0093. Imperial U-Boat Badge. Good looking zinc-based Imperial U-Boat Badge made during the Third Reich Era having a nice maker mark on the reverse. These reverse fittings will be found on Third Reich Era medals. (os) See pictures...$ 595.00 (Pictures)
KM0200. Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge by "R.S.". Nice looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge by "R.S.". See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) SOLD
KM0212. Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge by Schwerin. Nice looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge by Schwerin. (os) See pictures...$ 275.00 (Pictures)
KM0226. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge. Nice looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge. (os) See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures)
KM0248. Kriegsmarine Second Pattern E-Boat Badge by "R.S.". Nice looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Second Pattern E-Boat Badge by "R.S.". (os) See pictures...$ 550.00 (Pictures) SOLD
KM0260. Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge. Handsome zinc-based Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge with crisp details. (os) See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures)
KM0270. Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by "FLL 43". Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by "FLL 43". (os) See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures)
KM0275. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by "R.K.". Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by "R.K.". (os) See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures) SOLD
KM0276. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by "R.K.". Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by "R.K.". (os) See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures) SOLD
KM0278. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge. Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge. (os) See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures)
KM0300. Boxed Kriegsmarine U-Boat Badge, French Made by Baqueville. This piece is in excellent condition with the original issue box and tissue. The French firm of Baqueville created a number of Naval Badges for the Kriegsmarine which had bases in Occupied France. All French made German Navy badges utilized the same hinge, catch and pin assemblies. These badges are all die forged and all are zinc based with this example having crisp details and a good look. (os) See pictures...$ 695.00 (Pictures)
KM0301. Boxed Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge, French Made by Baqueville. This piece is in excellent condition with the original issue box and tissue. The French firm of Baqueville created a number of Naval Badges for the Kriegsmarine which had bases in Occupied France. All French made German Navy badges utilized the same hinge, catch and pin assemblies. These badges are all die forged and all are zinc based with this example having crisp details and a good look. (os) See pictures...$ 695.00 (Pictures)
KM0307. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge with Original Owner's Name and Unit. Nice looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures) SOLD
KM0312. Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by Juncker. Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by Juncker. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures)
KM0313. Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by Juncker with Original Owner Scratched Writing on Reverse. Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by Juncker having writing scratched into the reverse that is somewhat hard to make out but I believe I see a name and some numbers and a 1943 date. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures)
KM0326. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by "WH". This is a nice zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures) SOLD
KM0344. Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by Juncker. Good looking zinc-based Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by Juncker. (os) See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures)
KM0365. Kriegsmarine Blockade Runner's Badge by "R.S". Zinc-based example being an indirect vet-estate pickup. (os) See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) NEW
KM0366. Kriegsmarine Blockade Runner's Badge by "R.S". Zinc-based example being an indirect vet-estate pickup. See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) NEW SOLD
KM0374. Kriegsmarine Blockade Runner's Badge by Schwerin. Zinc-based example in excellent condition. (os) See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
KM0416. Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet Badge by Schwerin. Nice early tombac-based example. This badge has the Kriegsmarine Sailor's initials and unit lightly scratched on the back. (os) See pictures...$ 750.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
KM0423. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by Schwerin, Catch Broken. This is a nice zinc-based example. Wreath probably touched-up. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
KM0431. Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by Forster & Barth. Nice zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
KM0436. Kriegsmarine Watch Officer Badge on Souvenir Plaque. Excellent example. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
KM0437. Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge. Good looking zinc-based example shown in the Williamson book. (os) See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
KM0438. Kriegsmarine U-Boat Badge by "R.S.". Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 295.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
KM0439. Kriegsmarine U-Boat Badge by S & L. Good looking zinc-based example by Steinhauer and Lück. (os) See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
KM0440. Kriegsmarine Destroyer Badge by "S.H.u.Co.". Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
KM0441. Kriegsmarine U-Boat Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade by "SCHWERIN". This badge was introduced by the Oberkommando der Kriegsmarine on May 15, 1944. The award did not have a formal set of criteria for determination of bestowal. The recommendation for awarding the badge was left to the individual U-boat commander. The U-Boat commander could base his proposal for awarding the badge upon the number of sorties the sailor went on, bravery at sea, performance, level of risk involved etc. These badges were all awarded late in the war and as a result are very rare. This badge is zinc-based and has a bronze finish. Stellar example. See Pictures... SOLD (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
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The History and Significance of Kriegsmarine Badges
The Kriegsmarine, as the navy of the Third Reich, introduced a series of war badges to recognize the achievements and service of its personnel. These badges were typically instituted between 1939 and 1945 and were awarded for participation in specific campaigns, actions, or for accumulating a certain number of war patrols or combat days. Among the most well-known are the Destroyer War Badge, Minesweeper War Badge, U-Boat War Badge, E-Boat War Badge, Coastal Artillery War Badge, Blockade Runner Badge, and High Seas Fleet Badge. Each badge had specific criteria: for example, the Destroyer Badge could be earned through participation in engagements or for being wounded, while the U-Boat Badge was often awarded after a set number of war patrols or for individual bravery.
These badges were not merely decorative; they were a visible record of a sailor's combat experience and dedication. They were worn on the lower left breast of the uniform, below any iron crosses or other orders, and were highly respected within the service. The design of each badge was carefully crafted, often incorporating symbols like the national eagle, waves, or a ship's silhouette to reflect the nature of the service. Collectors today prize these badges not only for their historical value but also for their intricate design and the stories they represent.
Materials and Manufacturing
The materials used in the manufacture of Kriegsmarine badges evolved over the course of the war. Early examples, particularly those produced before 1942, were often made from tombac, a brass alloy that allowed for fine detail and a pleasing golden finish. As the war progressed and raw materials became scarce, manufacturers switched to zinc, which was cheaper and more readily available. Zinc-based badges typically have a grayish appearance and may show signs of wear or corrosion over time, but they were produced in vast numbers and are therefore commonly encountered by collectors.
An interesting aspect of Kriegsmarine badge production is the role of foreign manufacturers, particularly those in occupied France. The French firm of Baqueville, for example, produced a number of naval badges for the Kriegsmarine, using die-forged zinc and distinctive hinge, catch, and pin assemblies that differed from German-made pieces. These French-made badges are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique characteristics and the historical context of their production. The presence of a maker's mark on the reverse is a key factor in authenticating and attributing a badge to a specific manufacturer.
Notable Makers and Their Marks
Several manufacturers produced Kriegsmarine badges during the Third Reich, and their marks are an important guide for collectors. Some of the most recognized makers include:
- Schwerin – Known for high-quality early tombac badges and later zinc examples, often with a distinctive maker mark.
- FLL 43 – A maker that produced coastal artillery badges, among others, with the mark "FLL 43" indicating the year 1943.
- R.S. – A common maker of destroyer and E-boat badges, with a simple "R.S." mark.
- R.K. – Another maker of minesweeper badges, often with the initials "R.K." on the reverse.
- Juncker – A prestigious firm known for high-quality badges, including coastal artillery examples.
- WH – A maker of minesweeper badges, with the mark "WH" on some examples.
- Baqueville – The French manufacturer noted for producing badges for the Kriegsmarine in occupied France.
It is important to note that not all badges are marked, and the absence of a maker mark does not necessarily indicate a reproduction. However, the presence of a known maker's mark can greatly enhance the value and desirability of a piece.
Collecting Kriegsmarine Badges
Collecting Kriegsmarine badges is a rewarding pursuit that combines historical interest with the appreciation of fine craftsmanship. When evaluating a badge, collectors should pay close attention to the overall condition, the quality of the obverse detail, the presence of original finish, and the integrity of the reverse hardware. Original badges should exhibit signs of age consistent with their period, such as patina on tombac or slight wear on zinc.
Provenance can also add to a badge's appeal. Many of the badges offered on this site have direct or indirect veteran provenance, indicating that they were brought back by American or Allied soldiers as souvenirs. Such pieces often carry a personal connection to the past, sometimes including the original owner's name or unit scratched on the reverse, as seen in some of our listings. For those interested in expanding their collections to other branches, we also offer a wide selection of Army/Waffen-SS Badges, Luftwaffe Badges, and Medals and Badges from the same era.