Original German WWII Kriegsmarine Destroyer War Badge – Unmarked Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the German WWII Kriegsmarine Destroyer War Badge, which looks to be made from tombak alloy, very similar in composition to 80/20 brass, as used for many German WWII awards. The badge is in very good condition, with a lovely aged patina, and still retains almost all of the gold wash on the the badge’s wreath, with only light wear and oxidation. There is just a bit of wear through on the ship in the center along the edge.

The design consists of a gold highlighted oval oak leaf wreath, topped by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swas (hook cross), with a central depiction of a blacked silver washed Destroyer in a choppy blue sea. The reverse is solid, with an early war style tapered horizontal pinback attachment, which is fully functional. There is also a hook at the top of the badge to go through a thread loop on the uniform.

A great of a hard to find award! We almost never get these in such nice condition!

The Destroyer War Badge (Zerstörerkriegsabzeichen) was a World War II German military decoration and awarded to officers and crew for service on Kriegsmarine destroyers. It was instituted on 4 June 1940 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder following the battle of Narvik. It was also awarded to the crews of torpedo boats and fast attack craft until the institution of the Fast Attack Craft War Badge.

The medal, designed by Paul Carsberg of Berlin, consists of an outer oakleaf laurel wreath of oak leaves with the national emblem of eagle clutching a swas (both golden colored) at its apex. The central area features a side-view of a destroyer cutting through a wave (both silver-grey to black in color). It was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded. Additionally, an embroidered cloth version was produced.

Required qualifications prior to 10 October 1940 included participation in the battles of Narvik. After this date:

-Wounded in action
-Served on ship sunk in action (Z1)
-Participation in three enemy engagements or at least in 12 non-enemy sorties
-Outstanding performance or other heroic deeds in a single action