Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery War Badge, or Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie, manufactured by C. Schwerin & Sohn of Berlin. It is an especially desirable early Tombak example, retaining much of its original gold wash on the wreath, silver plated central artillery scene, and its early style tapered pinback with bent flat wire catch.

The Coastal Artillery War Badge was instituted on June 24, 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder for personnel serving with Kriegsmarine land based coastal artillery and anti-aircraft units. It could be awarded to qualifying members of coastal defense and naval anti-aircraft formations and was worn on the lower left breast of the naval service tunic.

The medal was designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin. It consists of an outer laurel wreath of oak leaves with the German Eagle at the top, displaying "down-swept" wings while clutching a swas (both gold in color). The central area featured a coastal artillery gun with the sea behind (in grey color). The early war version were made of bronze and later nickel. Inferior quality late-war versions were made of "pot or monkey metal". The medal was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic.

This early example is constructed from Tombak alloy. The badge body was silver plated, with the outer wreath and eagle subsequently finished with a gold wash while the artillery emplacement and central field were left silver. The silvered central areas have developed an attractive oxidized patina with age, while a substantial amount of the original gold finish remains visible on the wreath.

The reverse is clearly maker marked:

SCHWERIN
BERLIN

This identifies C. Schwerin & Sohn of Berlin. The use of the full maker name together with Tombak construction is characteristic of earlier production examples.

The reverse retains its early style tapered pinback with a bent flat wire catch. The pin, hinge, and catch remain intact and fully functional, with no obvious damage.

Condition is very good overall. Much of the original gold wash remains on the outer wreath and eagle, while the silver plated areas exhibit a pleasing age toned patina. The surviving finish and early Tombak construction give the badge a particularly attractive appearance.

With its early Tombak construction, substantial surviving gold wash, silver plated central design, full SCHWERIN / BERLIN maker mark, and complete early pattern pinback assembly, this is an appealing example of a Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery War Badge by one of the better known German award manufacturers. The age toned silver finish and expected oxidation are fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Kriegsmarine coastal artillery, naval anti-aircraft, C. Schwerin & Sohn maker, early Tombak award, or advanced German WWII badge collection.

Criteria for award
A crew could receive the award by achieving eight points:

- Two for downing an aircraft unassisted
- One for downing an aircraft assisted by another crew
- half a point for non-gun crew members, operating a searchlight, fire control, sound locator or radio operator for aiding in the downing of aircraft

The badge was issued in a single degree only.