Naval Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge, by Förster & Barth
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.GTR.0903.101.04.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Superb Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge, by Förster & Barth
(Kriegsabzeichen für Hilfskreuzer). Constructed of gilded and patinated zink, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swastika, with a Viking longship sailing over a depiction of the North Atlantic and Northern Europe, the reverse with a central rivet securing the obverse globe in place, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Förster & Barth, Pforzheim, measuring 44.5 mm (w) x 57.6 mm (h), weighing 29.4 grams, with finish intact, excellent quality and absolutely mint condition.
The badge was instituted on April 24, 1941, and conferred upon crew members of auxiliary cruisers who showed worthiness and good behaviour, and proved themselves during a long-distance operation. It was awarded by the ship’s captain.
Auxiliary cruisers were merchant ships turned raiders, armed to differing degrees. Their mission was to disrupt trade and supply lines, and capture or sink enemy merchant vessels.
It has been estimated that the total amount of badges awarded may lie between 4500 and 4700.
The badge was designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus in Berlin. It shows a viking ship on the top half of a globe. Ship, eagle, and wreath are gilded, while the globe is silvered.
Badges by Förster & Barth are sometimes, but not always marked with the company’s LDO number, L/21. Badges are made of zinc.
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