Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge, or Kriegsabzeichen für Hilfskreuzer, constructed from zinc alloy and marked R.S. for Rudolf Souval of Vienna. It retains substantial original gilt finish across the wreath, ship, and eagle, together with portions of the contrasting silvered finish on the globe.

The Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge was instituted on April 24, 1941, by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder. It was awarded to officers and enlisted personnel serving aboard German auxiliary cruisers, as well as qualifying personnel aboard supply vessels that supported their extended operations.

German auxiliary cruisers were converted merchant vessels employed as armed commerce raiders. Operating over great distances, they were intended to disrupt Allied shipping and supply routes while retaining the outward appearance of civilian vessels for portions of their voyages.

The badge was designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin. Its central design depicts a Viking longship sailing across the northern portion of a globe. The globe and ship are surrounded by an oak leaf wreath, surmounted by a German national eagle holding a mobile swas.

The wreath, eagle, and Viking ship were originally finished in gilt, while the globe was given a contrasting silvered surface. This zinc example retains much of the original gold wash, particularly across the wreath, vessel, and eagle. Portions of the silvered globe finish also remain visible.

The obverse is in very good overall condition, with expected age related finish loss and oxidation. The surviving gilt and silvered surfaces provide strong contrast and preserve the badge’s distinctive naval design.

The reverse displays an evenly aged and oxidized zinc patina. Beneath the pin is the maker mark:

R.S.

This marking is associated with Rudolf Souval of Vienna, Austria, a recognized producer of German military decorations, including Kriegsmarine qualification and war badges.

The reverse hardware consists of a crimped barrel hinge retaining a steel pin. The pin remains securely mounted and engages correctly with the bent round wire catch.

A special presentation version of the Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge was produced with diamonds set into the mobile swas. Such presentation badges were awarded separately from the standard service badge and are not represented by this example.

With its R.S. Souval maker mark, zinc construction, retained gilt and silvered finishes, complete pin assembly, and distinctive Viking ship and globe design, this is a particularly appealing example of a Kriegsmarine auxiliary cruiser award. The oxidized zinc patina and age related finish loss are fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Kriegsmarine decoration, German naval warfare, auxiliary cruiser, commerce raider, Rudolf Souval, or advanced WWII award collection.