Kriegsmarine U-boat Badge – GWL

Product Description: A fine example of a WWII Kriegsmarine U-Boat Badge by Gebrüder Wegerhoff, Lüdenscheid (GWL), with the maker’s mark clearly visible on the reverse. While much of the original gilt finish has faded, revealing the zinc base, the sharp detail remains fully intact. The reverse hardware is original, unrepaired and fully functional, featuring a silver pin with integral hinge and catch. Despite typical finish loss, this badge remains in excellent condition and is a well-preserved, desirable example of this iconic Kriegsmarine award.

Historical Description: The U-Boat Badge (U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen) was instituted on October 13, 1939 by Kriegsmarine leader Grossadmiral Erich Raeder, to recognize the combat achievements of the extremely dangerous and all-volunteer U-Boat service. The design of the badge features a German submarine surrounded by a wreath, surmounted by a German national eagle and swastika emblem. The original design for the badge, submitted by Kriegsmarine sailors, was refined by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus. To earn this badge, submarine sailors had to participate in a minimum of two missions against the enemy. If a sailor was wounded on a single mission, he could receive the U-Boat Badge. The badge could be worn both on and off duty. A total of 9,536 U-Boat Badges were awarded during WWII.

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