*German, WWII, Kriegsmarine Desk Set with Mounted High Seas Fleet Badge and Reichsadler Inkwell Lids*
A rare Kriegsmarine desk set with twin inkwells, decorated with Reichsadler eagles and mounted with an original High Seas Fleet Badge – a strong naval presentation piece with direct wartime associations.
This is an impressive Kriegsmarine period desk set, constructed with a wooden base fitted with two heavy glass inkwells, each secured in plated metal frames and finished with wooden lids bearing inset Reichsadler swastika eagles. A plated steel pen rest is mounted to the front, while the central section of the base is set with an original Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet Badge, making the piece both practical and commemorative in design. Measuring 26.5cm x 14.4cm x 2.9cm overall, with each inkwell 4.8cm x 5cm x 2.2cm, this is a substantial piece that combines utility with strong naval symbolism.
Historical Note:
These desk sets were not official issue but privately purchased or presented to officers as souvenirs. The use of a genuine High Seas Fleet Badge makes this a prestigious keepsake, likely commemorating service aboard a capital ship or a notable naval campaign.
The High Seas Fleet War Badge: Instituted by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder on 30 April 1941, the badge was awarded to Kriegsmarine personnel serving aboard Germany’s capital ships. It shows the bow of a battleship cutting through waves, within a laurel wreath surmounted by the national eagle and swastika, and recognised both long service and distinction in fleet operations. Notably awarded to crewmen of the Bismarck, Tirpitz, Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Admiral Hipper, and Prinz Eugen, the badge is strongly associated with Germany’s surface fleet campaigns in the North Atlantic, Arctic, and Norwegian waters. The badge on this desk set shows traces of original gilding to the wreath, with the battleship motif still sharply defined, confirming it as a genuine period piece.
*Condition*
The desk set remains in good overall condition for its age, with some honest signs of wear consistent with use and handling. The wooden base shows surface scratches, small dents, and general age-related wear, but remains structurally sound. The central High Seas Fleet Badge retains excellent detail, with the battleship motif still sharp and traces of the original gilt finish surviving around the wreath, though some of the gilding has been worn away over time. Both glass inkwells are present and intact, free from cracks or chips, and fitted with their original wooden lids, each inset with a Reichsadler eagle. The eagles are well defined, showing natural toning and light wear to the finish. Metal fittings, including the inkwell surrounds and pen rest, exhibit some areas of tarnishing and rust spotting but remain secure and serviceable. Overall, the set displays very well, with all key elements present and authentic, making it a highly appealing Kriegsmarine presentation or commemorative piece. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
