Original German WWII Early Tombak Kriegsmarine Navy Coastal Artillery Badge by C. Schwerin & Sohn of Berlin

Original Item: Only One Available. The Naval Artillery War Badge or War Badge for the Coastal Artillery (German: Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to the crews of Kriegsmarine land-based marine artillery and anti-aircraft units. It was presented to personnel of coastal defense (Küstenartillerie) units, and anti-aircraft units. The award was instituted on 24 June 1941 by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder to reward the actions of both individuals and crew members. It was also awarded to those killed in action in said units.

The medal was designed by Otto Placzek of Berlin. It consists of an outer laurel wreath of oak leaves with the German Eagle at the top, displaying "down-swept" wings while clutching a swas (both gold in color). The central area featured a coastal artillery gun with the sea behind (in grey color). The early war version were made of bronze and later nickel. Inferior quality late-war versions were made of "pot or monkey metal". The medal was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic.

This example is nicely maker marked on the rear:

SCHWERIN
BERLIN

This is the maker mark of C. Schwerin & Sohn of Berlin, which means this example is an early one, as later they moved to manufacturer codes. It is also made from tombak alloy, similar to brass, which was only used on the earliest examples. The tombak body of the badge is silver plated, and then the front wreath is gold washed, while the artillery emplacement was left silver and has oxidized. It features an early pattern tapered pin and bent flat wire catch, which are fully functional with no signs of damage.

The condition is very good, with a lot of the original gold wash present on the wreath, and a lovely patina on the silver plated areas. A very nice early tombak example of this badge. Ready to display!

Criteria for award
A crew could receive the award by achieving eight points:

- Two for downing an aircraft unassisted
- One for downing an aircraft assisted by another crew
- half a point for non-gun crew members, operating a searchlight, fire control, sound locator or radio operator for aiding in the downing of aircraft

The badge was issued in a single degree only.