*German, WW2, Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet Badge – Flottenkriegsabzeichen, by BSW – Brüder Schneider AG – Wien*
Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet Badge by BSW – Brüder Schneider AG – Wien (Flottenkriegsabzeichen) constructed in tombac. The obverse of the badge depicts a frontal image of a battleship through the waves surrounded by an oval oak leaf wreath, surmounted by a Kriegsmarine Eagle clutching a swastika. The reverse of the decoration has the maker’s mark “BSW” within a clover leaf.
At the direction of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, commander in chief of the navy, the Fleet War badge was instituted on April 30 1941 to recognize the sea actions of the German Navy, mainly in actions against England. It was awarded to Naval personnel on battleships and cruisers, but also to crews that provided logistical support. It was awarded to crews who served 12-week service on a battleship or cruisers or to recipients wound or killed during operations or outstanding achievements in a naval engagement. The designer as well as the principal maker was, Adolf Bock of Berlin. Other known makers of this badge are Schwerin and Friedrich Orth.
The Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet Badge was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket, underneath the Iron Cross (EKI) if awarded.
BSW is not a maker normally associated with this badge. Nonetheless this is a substantial badge.
*Condition*
The badge is missing the second set of guns. Otherwise in excellent condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQE0XEO_1673164840
