Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge – Hermann Aurich

Product Description: This is a solid, all-original example of a Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery Badge, produced in zinc and attributed to the firm of Hermann Aurich despite being unmarked. Like many late-war zinc pieces, this badge exhibits extensive period wear, with the original gilding on the wreath fully absorbed and only faint remnants of silvering remaining on the gun emplacement. The surface has largely reverted to the muted gray tone characteristic of mid- to late-war zinc, with a pleasing and untouched patina built up over decades.

The reverse features the textbook Aurich hardware setup, including the crimped-in hinge, flat back, and original pin and catch. All hardware remains completely intact and functional, with no repairs. The slight curvature to the pin is a strong, authentic indicator of actual wear on a uniform—something collectors always appreciate.

Overall, this badge displays the honest use, patination, and late-war character that make zinc Kriegsmarine awards so appealing. Uncleaned, unmessed-with, and full of personality, it’s a very nice example for any collector seeking a worn and completely genuine Coastal Artillery Badge.

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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