Original German WWII Kriegsmarine 2nd Model S-Boat Fast Attack Craft War Badge by by Rudolf Souval Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Fast Attack Craft War Badge or S-Boat War Badge (Das Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to members of the Kriegsmarine for service on fast attack craft or patrol/torpedo boats. The award was instituted on 30 May 1941. Requirements to receive the award included: an outstandingly successful sortie, wounded in action, 12 sorties against enemy vessels or installations, or outstanding leadership.

The medal was produced in two versions. The original 1941 version consisted of a “shorter high-silhouette” S-boat with an outer gold laurel wreath of oak leaves with the German Eagle at the top, while clutching a swas. The second later version was introduced in January, 1943. It had the same basic design, but with a “longer and newer” model S-boat and a larger German Eagle at the top. The badge was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross, if awarded.

This is a great example of the 2nd Model S-boat badge, which still has a lot of the original silver wash on the “S-boat” shown on the obverse. There is also still lots of the original gold wash on the wreath and eagle, with the back still retaining almost all of the silver wash. This example has the standard barrel hinge and vertical pin, with a bent flat wire catch.

The back is maker marked R. S. in the center, which represents manufacture by Rudolf Souval of Wien (Vienna), Austria. Measures about 2 inches wide x 2 3/8 inches high. We have only had one of the 2nd model types before, and this is definitely in way better condition than the last one was! We rarely see later WWII badges with such well retained plating.

Ready to display!