Original Items: Only One Available. This is an excellent early example of a rare German WWII Kriegsmarine (Navy) Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge (Kriegsabzeichen für Hilfskreuzer). The award was a World War II German military decoration awarded to officers and men of the Kriegsmarine for service on Auxiliary Cruisers or the supply ships that supported them for a successful large voyage. The award was instituted on 24 April 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder.

This example is in very good condition, with almost all of the original gold wash on the front of the badge present, and the silvering on the "globe" still very strong. There is a bit of wear on the sail of the ship and the edges, but this is by far the best example we have ever seen. The rear is also in great shape, with a nickel alloy pin and flat wire catch. The badge looks to be made from early brass or tombak alloy, and is maker marked with:

SCHWERIN · BERLIN

C. Schwerin & Sohn of Berlin is a known maker of this badge and other Kriegsmarine badges during the war. This is really a top quality badge, and would be very hard to improve upon. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus in Berlin, the award featured a Viking longship sailing over the northern hemisphere of the globe surrounded by a laurel wreath of oak leaves. At the apex of the badge was a German Eagle clutching a swas. The wreath, eagle and ship were in gilt and the globe area gray colored. Versions were produced in bronze and later in zinc.

A special presentation version, featuring 15 small diamonds inlaid on the swas, was presented in January 1942 by Grand Admiral Raeder to Kapitän zur See Bernhard Rogge, commander of the successful German auxiliary cruiser Atlantis.