An excellent original group of 14 Kriegsmarine Gilt Anchor Uniform Buttons preserved together on old red card backing with remnants of the original protective wrapping. Each button displays the classic raised fouled-anchor design with rope-pattern border and strong surviving gilt finish. The photographed reverse is clearly marked EXTRA FEIN and exhibits convincing period multi-piece construction with an original wire attachment loop.
€ 30
14 in stock
This attractive group of Kriegsmarine Gilt Anchor Uniform Buttons consists of 14 matching gold-finished German naval buttons surviving together on their old red card backing.
Each button displays the classic fouled-anchor motif associated with German naval uniforms. A finely textured background surrounds the raised anchor, while a rope-pattern border frames the outer edge. Strong original gilt colour remains across the group, giving the set excellent visual appeal.
One button has been removed and photographed from the reverse. Significantly, it carries the period “EXTRA FEIN”quality marking.
The EXTRA FEIN marking appears on documented original German naval uniform buttons and indicated a higher-quality commercial manufacture.
It should not, however, automatically be interpreted as the name of a particular manufacturer. Several German button makers produced naval fittings carrying quality terminology of this type.
Helmut Weitze documents original Kriegsmarine buttons in brass, aluminium and other materials. Their surviving reverse markings include EXTRA FEIN, Feuervergoldet, Kriegsmarine manufacturer codes and dated wartime markings.
Helmut Weitze – Original German Naval Button References
The obverse incorporates a prominent raised naval anchor entwined by rope.
Crisp definition survives around the anchor stock, rope and flukes. Moreover, the surrounding fine linear texture remains particularly sharp.
A decorative rope-style outer border completes the design.
This pattern was used extensively on German naval uniforms. Consequently, surviving examples may be encountered on tunics, jackets, coats and other dress garments.
Weitze notes that larger gold or gilt naval buttons were used on officer tunics and greatcoats, while various smaller sizes served other uniform applications.
Construction is consistent with original German manufacture.
The buttons use a separate gilt outer shell over a contrasting metal reverse plate. Meanwhile, a substantial wire loop provides the attachment point.
Around the circumference, the gilt shell has been rolled neatly over the back plate. Natural age marks are visible around the junction without signs of recent assembly.
The photographed reverse displays:
Nothing visible in the supplied photographs gives me a significant reproduction concern.
A particularly appealing feature is the survival of 14 buttons together on their old red card.
Torn cream-coloured paper remains around the perimeter, suggesting the group was stored or supplied wrapped rather than assembled recently for display.
Original Kriegsmarine button groups surviving on manufacturer or depot cards are documented. A particularly useful comparison is a current specialist listing for twelve approximately 24 mm EXTRA FEIN, fire-gilt naval buttons preserved unused on their original cardboard backing.
The age and construction of your card look convincing. Nevertheless, because no manufacturer’s printing is presently visible, I would catalogue it conservatively as period card backing rather than guarantee the exact commercial origin of the card.
These Kriegsmarine Gilt Anchor Uniform Buttons remain in excellent overall condition.
Considerable original gold finish survives. In addition, the raised anchors retain crisp detail with very little evidence of service wear.
The backs exhibit appropriate ageing, while the visible attachment loop remains intact.
Several empty mounting holes and areas of torn wrapping paper demonstrate that the card has suffered storage wear. This does not materially affect the condition of the buttons themselves.
I would not clean or polish them. Their untouched gilt finish and minor natural oxidation contribute to both authenticity and collector appeal.
Based on the photographs supplied, my assessment is:
Item: German naval gilt uniform buttons
Attribution: Kriegsmarine / German Navy pattern
Quantity: 14 buttons
Obverse: Fouled anchor with rope border
Reverse marking: EXTRA FEIN
Construction: Multi-piece metal with wire shank
Finish: Gilt / gold finish
Condition: Excellent, apparently unused or very lightly handled
Backing: Old card with surviving wrapping paper
Period assessment: Pre-1945 manufacture
Authenticity: Original period manufacture
The marking, construction, anchor die work and ageing all correspond favourably with documented examples.
Buttons formed a surprisingly important part of German naval uniform appearance.
Gold-finished anchor buttons were particularly prominent on the dark blue naval uniform. Officer-quality examples were frequently produced in fire-gilt brass, although wartime manufacturing requirements eventually led to a wide range of materials and finishes. Weitze documents naval buttons manufactured by firms including Assmann & Söhne, FLL, Overhoff & Cie and JFS.
A dated Kriegsmarine uniform sold through Ratisbon’s also retained EXTRA FEIN naval buttons, confirming their genuine period uniform use.
A single original naval button is relatively obtainable. However, a coherent group of 14 matching gilt examples still preserved together on old card is substantially more attractive as a display and reference item.
The strong gilding is another advantage. Rather than assembling a mixed lot from individual buttons, this group preserves a matching set with consistent manufacture and finish.
For related original naval material, see:
Original High Seas Fleet Badge by Schwerin – Nordmenn Militaria
Further original German uniform material can be found here:
Original Third Reich Uniforms – Nordmenn Militaria
