Original German WWII Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge by Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid – dated 1943 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 is nicely maker marked on the rear with F L L in circles, the logo of Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid, a city with a large clothing accessories industry. They were a known maker of this badge, and they also often dated their examples, with this badge being dated 43 below the maker mark. It is the standard zinc alloy, with an attached hinge and wire catch, which are fully functional.

The condition is very good, and it looks like it was originally nickel plated on the back, wreath, and eagle, which was then gilt. Almost all of the gilding has evaporated / worn away, but the nickel is still well retained and bright. The central artillery emplacement still has the black finish, with some wear through on the edges.

A very nice example of this badge. 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.