*German, WW2, Miniature U-Boat War Badge Button Hole, with Iron Cross 2nd Class (EK2) Buttonhole Ribbon*
A scarce Kriegsmarine U-Boat War Badge buttonhole display with the Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon. The EK2 ribbon is threaded through the original shank between the U-Boat badge and the single domed brass button, then hand-stitched into place in period black thread — a neat and typical wartime confection. The miniature badge is crisply die-struck in tombac with traces of its original gold finish, depicting a U-boat cutting the waves within a wreath beneath the German naval eagle — the classic 1939 pattern instituted by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder. While the U-Boat War Badge and EK2 were official issue decorations, miniature buttonhole devices such as this were privately purchased for smart civilian wear — and are consequently far scarcer on today’s market.
Measurements: Miniature U-Boat Badge: approx. 11 × 8 mm
Hardware: miniature badge to brass button on integral shank
Historical Note:
The U-Boat War Badge was re-instituted on 13 October 1939 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder for Kriegsmarine submariners, typically awarded after two combat patrols or for patrol-wounding or notable success at sea. It quickly became a symbol of elite status within one of the most hazardous branches of German service.
The Iron Cross 2nd Class (EK2) was awarded separately for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, and for U-boat personnel it was commonly granted to crews involved in successful sinkings or high-risk patrol operations. Thus, a sailor entitled to both the U-Boat War Badge and the EK2 had actively served on offensive patrols and demonstrated combat merit under extreme danger.
Of the roughly 40,000 men who served in the U-boat arm during the war, approximately 30,000 were killed — a staggering 75% casualty rate. With over 785 U-boats lost, only a limited minority of U-boat veterans survived to return home and later appear in civilian dress. As a result, small private-purchase buttonhole devices combining both awards, such as the present example, are notably scarcer than either decoration individually.
This discreet buttonhole assembly would have been worn on walking-out or civilian clothing, allowing a U-boat veteran to signal his operational service and bravery without wearing full medals — a practice strongly associated with the culture and pride of the U-bootwaffe.
*Condition*
Honest age patina to brass and wear to gilt. Ribbon colours remain bright with original stitching intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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