Original German WWII French Made Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Naval Artillery War Badge or War Badge for the Coastal Artillery (German: Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to the crews of Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units. It was presented to personnel of coastal defense (Küstenartillerie) units, and anti-aircraft units. The award was instituted on 24 June 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder to reward the actions of both individuals and crew members. It was also awarded to those killed in action in said units.

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 example was made in France during WWII, and conforms well to other known examples, with the horizontal pin catch and hook on the top. There large numbers of Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery batteries along the French coast, which made it more convenient to source these specific badges in France. It looks to be made from the standard zinc alloy, and the pin catch is fully functional, however the hinge end has had a repair in the past, and is very delicately attached to the body of the badge.

The condition is very good, with a lot of the original gold wash present on the wreath, and a lovely shiny gray finish on the rest of the badge.

A very nice example of this badge, made in occupied France. Ready to display!

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.