German WW2 Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet badge (HSF) by the manufacurer Rudolf Souval of Wien / Vienna denoted by the R.S. marking in relief on the reverse. Depicting a naval battleship steaming out of an oakleaf wreath with the Kriegsmarine Eagle crowning the design is certainly “striking” as the ship bears down face on.
This particular badge has suffered tarninshing / loss of gilding (the gold wash) around 40% of the wreath but overall retains a pleasing patina.
Note: Some RS or Rudolf Souval badges were produced post 1945 and as always many copies abound. It is highly recomended to do an exhaustive comparison of fine details with known originals.
WW2 German Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery badge by the much appreciated, amongst collectors, manufacturer Schwerin Berlin. Nava badges from Schwerin are reknowned for their high level of detailing, the way that they maintain their gilding / wash after many years and their robust hinge and pin set up (you dont find many with a broken / repaired reverse).
Note -> As always the problem with being a much appreciated antique badge is that they are also the first to be copied and reproduced. From the images shown below there is more than enough detail to make a comparison for authentication purposes.
Zerstoyer of Destroyer badge from the Kriegsmarine from unknown manufacturer and with the “elegant” horizontal coke bottle style pin and locating lug reverse.
WW2 Kriegsmarine (German Navy) minesweeper badge by the “high quality” manufacturer Fec. Otto Placzek Berlin Ausf. Schwerin Berlin.
Note: Due to the Schwerin marked badges commanding a slightly higher price / being more “desirable” than other Kriegsmarine Minesweeper badges this is one that is heavily copied / reproduced. Compare as many details as possible to an in hand version before moving forward with any purchase.
German WW2 Kriegsmarine (Navy) Coastal Artillery badge produced by FLL 43. For whatever resaon these badges tend to maintain the gilding to the wreath very well but on the reverse tend to have what appears to be sloppy / excesive soldering. Pay particuar attention to the areas of Fine detail such as the waves and cannon as these areas are not easily falisfied.
No discernable manufacturer markings.
A very crude reproduction of a badge pretending to be a war time Destroyer badge from the Kriegsmarine. Cast from what appears to be lead (or another similarly flexible metal) the badge can be “bent”. A note of caution – Bending badges is not a way to determine originality!!!!
Kriegsabzeichen für Hilfskreuzer or Auxiliary Cruiser badge attributed to Foerster & Barth due to marked examples existing.
Pay particular attention to the areas of fine detail to determine originality when comparing these images to examples you may have in your possesion or you are interested in acquiring. Note that the gold wash can extend to the rear of the badge or not be present as in this case. I would strongly suggest not considering the “Paintjob” when evaluating this particular Aux cruiser badge from this manufacturer.