German, WWII, Kriegsmarine Obergefreiter Sleeve Rank Chevron Patch – Naval Upper Arm Insignia, Two-Bar Rating Badge

*German, WWII, Kriegsmarine Obergefreiter Sleeve Rank Chevron Patch – Naval Upper Arm Insignia, Two-Bar Rating Badge*

An original Second World War German Kriegsmarine Obergefreiter rank insignia, consisting of the distinctive two yellow-gold chevrons applied to a dark navy blue wool backing. This pattern was worn by enlisted naval personnel of the Kriegsmarine on the upper left sleeve of the standard blue service uniform or “monkey jacket.”

The two-chevron formation denotes the rank of Obergefreiter, a senior enlisted rank above Gefreiter and below Hauptgefreiter, broadly equivalent to a senior seaman or lance corporal level depending on service comparison. These simple yet instantly recognisable sleeve insignia formed an important part of Kriegsmarine uniform identification during the period 1935–1945.

The badge is of period construction with yellow-gold cloth tresse hand/machine stitched to a dark wool triangular backing, showing the classic wartime style and proportions associated with naval issue insignia. A desirable original uniform item and an increasingly scarce surviving example of Kriegsmarine enlisted insignia.

Approx. Measurements – 9cm high x 8.5cm wide.

History Note:
Kriegsmarine rank chevrons were worn by junior enlisted sailors and specialists, with one chevron indicating Gefreiter, two for Obergefreiter, and three for Hauptgefreiter. These insignia were worn prominently on the left upper sleeve and are strongly associated with wartime German naval uniforms of the Second World War.

*Condition*
Good original used condition with period wear consistent with age and service. Some light age wear to the wool backing, minor loose threads and slight edge fraying visible, but overall the insignia displays very well with strong colour and clear definition to the applied chevrons. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ#3236A0_5455238607