German WWII Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruiser Badge-This is known as the “Kriegsabzeichen für Hilfskreuzer”. It is a one piece solid example made of zinc. It has lost the finish on its obverse, but still has great details to the wreath, globe and Viking long ship. This unique badge was instituted on 24 April 1941 by order of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, with the design by Ernst Peekhaus. The reverse is in good condition. It retains a good bit of its original gilt finish. The long straight vertical pin and catch function as intended. You can see a similar badge on page 50 of “Kriegsmarine Awards - Vol 1+2” by Sascha Weber & Gerhard R. Skora. Desirable example!
History: The WWII German naval campaign against Allied shipping was not waged only with naval vessels. Eleven merchant ships were also specially equipped by the German Navy with a variety of anti-ship weapons. These armed ships, disguised as peaceful merchant vessels, patrolled shipping lanes. To recognize the bravery of the crews of these vessels, the German Navy commander Grossadmiral Erich Raeder introduced a special award, “Kriegsabzeichen für Hilfskreuzer” (Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge), on April 24, 1941. The badge was designed by Ernst Peekhaus and featured a Viking ship sailing on a northern hemisphere, surrounded by a wreath, and surmounted by a German national eagle and swastika emblem. They were made in silver, Tombak, and zinc. The entire badge was gilt with the exception of the globe, which had a gray finish. The globe could be integral to the badge, or could be a separate piece, affixed with a single rivet. The badge was awarded to the crews of ships that completed successful long-range voyages. It could also be awarded for exceptional leadership on a voyage and was automatically awarded to any sailors wounded in action on such a vessel. Because there were not many of these disguised merchant vessels, the Auxiliary Cruiser Badge was made in limited numbers.