Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge – Hermann Aurich

Product Description: This is an all-original, textbook example of a Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge, produced in zinc and attributed to the firm of Hermann Aurich of Dresden. Unlike many late-war zinc pieces that have lost their finishes, this example retains most of its original gold-gilded wreath finish as well as strong silvering on the gun emplacement. Only the highest points show the underlying base metal, surrounded by a pleasing, untouched patina that has developed naturally over decades.

The reverse retains nearly all of its original finish and displays the classic Aurich hardware setup—a flat back with a crimped-in hinge, original straight pin, and catch, all intact, fully functional, and without any repairs. The straight, undisturbed pin is a strong indication of actual uniform wear, always desirable to collectors. Beneath the pin near the catch is the stamped “HA” maker mark for Hermann Aurich.

Overall, this badge remains in excellent++ condition, a highly appealing and completely genuine example of a Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge with exceptional finish for a zinc-produced award. Perfect for any advanced Kriegsmarine or combat badge collection.

Historical Description: The Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge (Kriegsabzeichen für die Marineartillerie) was instituted on June 24, 1941, by Kriegsmarine leader Grossadmiral Erich Raeder. The purpose of the badge was to recognize the successes of the Kriegsmarine coastal artillery and anti-aircraft units, and it was authorized to be awarded to entire units as well as individual soldiers. The design of the badge, which was created by Otto Placzek,  featured a coastal artillery gun, with the sea behind, surrounded by a wreath and surmounted by the German national eagle and swastika emblem. The award criteria for this badge were complex and in part based on a points system. Various achievements, such as being part of a crew to shoot down a plane, successfully deploying searchlights, or successfully using radar, were assigned values of between 0.5 and 2 points, with 8 points being needed to earn the badge. The badge could also be rewarded for exceptional personal achievements in combat, or for leadership, and it could also be awarded posthumously. Starting in 1943, the award could also be earned by Kriegsmarine gun crews who destroyed enemy tanks or ships.

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