*German, WW2, Original Kriegsmarine Destroyer War Badge, by Sohni Heubach & Co*
Maker marked S.H.u.Co.
This is a fine example of the German WWII Kriegsmarine Destroyer War Badge, crafted from the standard zinc alloy used for many German WWII awards.
The design features an oval oak leaf wreath topped by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a swastika, with a central depiction of a silver-washed destroyer in a choppy blue sea. The reverse side is solid with a fully functional standard pinback attachment. It is maker-marked “S. H. u. Co.,” indicating it was manufactured by Sohni Heubach & Co. of Oberstein, Germany, a well-known maker of WWII badges.
The Destroyer War Badge (Zerstörerkriegsabzeichen) was a German military decoration awarded to officers and crew for service on Kriegsmarine destroyers. Designed by Paul Carsberg of Berlin, it was instituted on June 4, 1940, by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder following the Battle of Narvik. It was also awarded to crews of torpedo boats and fast attack craft until the introduction of the Fast Attack Craft War Badge.
The badge was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, beneath the 1st class Iron Cross if awarded. An embroidered cloth version was also produced.
Qualifications for the award before October 10, 1940, included participation in the battles of Narvik. After this date, the qualifications were:
-Wounded in action
-Served on a ship sunk in action
-Participation in three enemy engagements or at least 12 non-enemy sorties
-Outstanding performance or other heroic deeds in a single action
*Condition*
The badge is in very good condition, with a lovely aged patina. Unfortunately the plating on the badge is all but gone. Original hook, pin and hinge. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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