*German, WW2, Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruiser Badge, Maker Marked FO - Friedrich Orth of Vienna*
The Auxiliary cruiser of the Kriegsmarine badge- Hilfskreuzer-Kriegsabzeichen - Friedrich Orth Wien. Highly detailed badge. Zinc.
Approximate Dimensions: 4.5cm x 5.9cm
Obverse: An oval gilt oak leaf wreath surmounted by a gilt Nazi eagle, with outstretched squared wings, clutching a swastika. The voided centre has a gilt Viking longship on top of a partial globe in silver.
Reverse: Plain with a single vertical brooch pin, marked: "FO" and a square - the quality mark introduced by Friedrich Orth
The Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruiser Badge badge was instituted on April 24, 1941 by order of Grand Admiral Raeder to be given in recognition of feats demonstrated by the crews of armed merchant ships put to sea to harass Allied shipping. These ships would sail disguised as neutral cargo ships but were actually well armed and eventually took a huge toll on allied merchant vessels before most were eventually sunk themselves. The badge was awarded for participation in a successful voyage, demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities or being wounded during the course of a voyage.
*Condition*
Excellent condition, tarnished coating, wear to the gilt, but overall a fine example. Minor traces of wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
