Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Kriegsmarine Bronze Grade U-Boat Front Clasp, or U-Boot-Frontspange, manufactured by Schwerin of Berlin and designed by W. E. Peekhaus. It is a zinc alloy example with bronze wash, retaining its original pinback assembly and both the Peekhaus design marking and Schwerin execution marking on the reverse.

The U-Boat Front Clasp was instituted on May 15, 1944 as a recognition of continued frontline service by U-boat personnel who had already qualified for the U-Boat War Badge. Award was based on continued combat service and the recommendation of the U-boat commander, subject to higher approval. The clasp was worn on the upper left breast.

This example is the Bronze Grade and is constructed from zinc alloy with a bronze wash. Much of the original finish remains, though there is visible loss and oxidation on the oak leaf wings and along portions of the lower edges on both sides.

The reverse is fitted with a bronze washed steel pin secured by a hinge and retained by a bent flat wire catch. The pin has a noticeable bend but still fastens correctly.

The reverse is plain apart from the attachment hardware and the following raised marking on the catch side:

ENTWURF
PEEKHAUS

This translates to "design/draft Peekhaus", indicating that W.E. Peekhaus designed the badge. This is a known maker that originated the design of many badges, and also made a good amount as well.

Under the pin catch is another marking:

AUSF.
SCHWERIN
BERLIN 08

Ausf. is an abbreviation of Ausführung, indicating execution or manufacture by Schwerin of Berlin.

The overall condition is very good. The bronze wash remains well preserved across much of the clasp, while the localized finish loss, oxidation to the oak leaf wings and lower edges, and bend to the pin are all consistent with age and service use.

With its Bronze Grade finish, zinc construction, W. E. Peekhaus design marking, Schwerin Berlin execution marking, and complete pinback assembly, this is a particularly appealing late war Kriegsmarine U-Boat Front Clasp. The localized bronze wash loss, oxidation, and bent but functional pin are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Kriegsmarine U-boat award, Schwerin maker, Peekhaus design, late war naval badge, or advanced German WWII award collection.

Design of the U-Boat Front Clasp
Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin submitted the design of the badge, which consisted of a central laurel wreath with a stylized submarine and wings of oak leaves. The wings on either side consisted of six staggered oak leaves (for a total of twelve). Two crossed swords decorated the bottom of the central wreath; the submarine in the middle mimicked the design of the U-Boat War Badge. The wreath integrated an eagle with turned down wings holding a swastika. After the war ended, sailors in Germany could only wear the medal if it did not include National Socialist emblems – in keeping with the German Ordensgesetz. An alternative design with a complete laurel wreath (without eagle and swastika) with a centered submarine emblem exist for this purpose.

Classes
The award was bestowed in two classes. The classes of the badge were manufactured in bronze, or silver.

Bronze – the lower grade and awarded based on the number of war patrols, the degree of risks involved in the mission and for personal bravery
Silver – on 24 November 1944, the silver class was introduced to further recognize bronze holders with continued merits, increased risk and acts of valor