Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Kriegsmarine U-Boat War Badge 1939 (U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen 1939), the distinctive combat badge awarded to qualified members of German submarine crews. This example appears to be a later-war zinc production, with the original gold-colored finish now largely worn away and the underlying gray metal prominently visible.

The badge follows the standard Paul Casberg design, consisting of an oval laurel wreath surrounding the broadside image of a German U-boat. At the top is the national eagle clutching a swas. emblem. The reverse retains its horizontal pin, hinge, and catch assembly. No manufacturer marking is visible.

The badge is in good condition considering its construction. Most of the original gilt finish has disappeared, leaving an even gray and darkened surface with scattered oxidation and age patination. The principal design details remain quite distinct, including the submarine, wreath, and central emblem. The reverse hardware is complete with hinge, pin, and catch present. No obvious breaks or major structural damage are visible. The substantial loss of finish is particularly typical of zinc decorations of this period, as the thin wartime applied finishes frequently deteriorated or were absorbed into the metal with age.

The U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen 1939 was instituted on 13 October 1939 by Kriegsmarine Commander-in-Chief Großadmiral Erich Raeder. It revived the German submarine badge tradition established during the First World War, but substituted a contemporary submarine and the period national eagle and swas. for the Imperial-era crown. The approved WWII design was created by artist and designer Paul Casberg, and C. Schwerin & Sohn of Berlin began initial production in November 1939. Other manufacturers subsequently produced the badge as wartime demand increased.

Under the original regulations, the decoration could be presented to officers, NCOs, and enlisted men serving aboard operational U-boats who had proven themselves on two or more patrols against the enemy. The requirement could be waived in cases involving wounds, with individual eligibility determined by the commander of the U-boat force. Contemporary records and surviving award documents confirm that the badge became one of the characteristic insignia worn by qualified U-boat personnel.

U-boat patrols routinely kept crews at sea for extended periods under extremely demanding conditions, and the badge consequently became closely associated with the German submarine campaign in the Atlantic and other operational theaters. It was normally worn as a pin-back badge on the left breast of the uniform.