Original WWII Schwerin U-Boat War Badge, maker marked SCHWERIN BERLIN 68 and displaying the desirable characteristics of early gilt Buntmetall/tombak-type production. The badge retains strong original gold finish, crisp detail, broad vertical pin, early hinge and characteristic round-wire catch. Accompanied by an attractive unmarked miniature U-Boat War Badge stickpin. A particularly fine early Kriegsmarine combat award by one of the most sought-after manufacturers.
€ 1.395
1 in stock
This Schwerin U-Boat War Badge is an exceptionally attractive original WWII Kriegsmarine U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen 1939, manufactured by C. Schwerin & Sohn, Berlin. Clearly struck “SCHWERIN BERLIN 68” on the reverse, the badge displays the high-quality finish, crisp die work and characteristic fastening system associated with desirable early Schwerin production.
Adding considerably to the appeal, the full-size badge is accompanied by a matching miniature U-Boat War Badge with long stickpin. The miniature appears unmarked in the supplied photographs and should therefore be described separately rather than automatically attributed to Schwerin.
Superb detail dominates the obverse of this early Kriegsmarine award. Across the centre, a U-boat passes through an oval laurel wreath beneath the outstretched national eagle.
Fine feathering remains visible throughout the eagle. Likewise, individual leaves retain strong veins, while the submarine displays clearly defined deck fittings, conning tower and hull.
Warm original gold colouring survives extensively across the surface. Meanwhile, polished highlights contrast attractively against the more matt areas of the original finish.
Known early Schwerin U-Boat War Badges used gilt non-ferrous metal, commonly described as Buntmetall or tombak. Helmut Weitze specifically records early “SCHWERIN BERLIN 68” badges with matt gilding, polished edges and the distinctive round-wire catch seen on original early production.
The exposed metal on this example displays the warm copper-brass tone expected from such construction. Nevertheless, because no metallurgical test has been supplied, the most conservative catalogue description remains gilt Buntmetall / tombak-type construction rather than claiming an independently proven alloy.
Most importantly, the reverse carries the deeply impressed two-line maker designation:
SCHWERIN
BERLIN 68
C. Schwerin & Sohn was among the earliest manufacturers of the 1939 U-Boat War Badge. Production began in November 1939, while the first badges reached the Presidential Chancellery later that same month.
The numeral 68 forms part of the well-known Schwerin Berlin marking associated with the firm. Surviving documented originals display this same general placement beneath the submarine on the reverse.
Furthermore, the letter form and arrangement visible on the present badge compare convincingly with recognised original Schwerin pieces.
A substantial rectangular hinge sits directly beneath the eagle on the reverse.
From that hinge extends the original broad, flat vertical pin. Lower down, the pin engages with the characteristic rounded wire catch.
This hardware configuration is important because documented early Schwerin examples show the same combination of broad pin, early hinge and round-wire hook. Weitze specifically highlights the round-wire catch as a feature of early production.
Natural darkening has developed around the hinge and catch. Equally convincing, the reverse shows appropriate age, minor surface marks and wear rather than an artificially uniform modern appearance.
Several convincing construction details therefore support the wartime attribution rather than relying solely upon the maker stamp.
That distinction matters because reproductions bearing false SCHWERIN BERLIN 68 markings are known. The maker stamp should consequently always be assessed together with the die, eagle, submarine, hinge, pin and catch. Specialist collector discussions document incorrect Schwerin-marked copies with erroneous dies and hardware.
Accompanying the full-size decoration is an attractive miniature U-Boat War Badge.
Despite its reduced dimensions, the miniature reproduces the principal design surprisingly well. A small submarine appears within the wreath beneath the eagle and swastika.
On the reverse sits a long vertical stickpin. No maker’s mark is visible in the supplied photographs.
Period miniature U-Boat War Badges with long stickpins are recognised collector pieces, and comparable miniature versions measuring around 18 mm are documented in the specialist market.
For accuracy, I would catalogue this component as “accompanying period-style miniature U-Boat War Badge stickpin, unmarked” unless further provenance establishes that both pieces have remained together since wartime.
Großadmiral Erich Raeder instituted the U-Boat War Badge on 13 October 1939 to recognise operational service by Kriegsmarine submarine crews. The approved design followed the earlier First World War badge while replacing the Imperial crown with the contemporary national eagle and swastika.
Dangerous operational patrols formed the core qualification for the award. Normally, U-boat personnel qualified after completing the prescribed operational service, while wounds and exceptional circumstances could alter the normal requirements.
Unlike a simple service decoration, the award therefore became closely associated with operational submarine warfare.
Today, early Schwerin examples rank among the most desirable standard U-Boat War Badges because of their superior die work, rich gilding and identifiable manufacturer characteristics.
The Schwerin U-Boat War Badge remains in particularly attractive collector condition.
Extensive gilt finish survives across the wreath, eagle and submarine. Attractive age toning also appears naturally within recessed sections of the design.
Surface wear remains moderate rather than excessive. Consequently, the strong raised detail remains clearly visible throughout.
On the reverse, both original-style fastening components remain present. Age and oxidation around the fittings appear consistent with the surrounding surfaces.
Minor marks provide evidence of age without detracting from the overall presentation. Overall, this is a highly displayable example of an early Schwerin Kriegsmarine combat badge.
Award: U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen 1939
English: U-Boat War Badge
Service: Kriegsmarine
Manufacturer: C. Schwerin & Sohn, Berlin
Maker mark: SCHWERIN BERLIN 68
Construction: Gilt non-ferrous metal / early tombak-type
Fastening: Broad vertical pin, hinge and round-wire catch
Miniature: Accompanying unmarked U-Boat Badge stickpin
Period: Second World War
Originality assessment: Strongly consistent with an original wartime Schwerin example
Comparison with documented examples is particularly favourable. Weitze currently lists an early Schwerin example in tombak with frosted gilding, polished edges and the same maker marking at €1,350, while another near-mint example is offered at €1,850.
Ratisbon’s also sold a gilt Buntmetall Schwerin example in March 2025 for €1,120, demonstrating the continuing premium placed on good early examples.
Early SCHWERIN BERLIN 68 U-Boat War Badges occupy a particularly desirable position within Kriegsmarine collecting.
Quality separates these examples from many later wartime pieces. Heavy non-ferrous construction, strong gilding, polished highlights and crisp detailing give the early Schwerin badge a distinctly superior appearance.
Moreover, this example retains its complete fastening system and a particularly appealing amount of finish.
The accompanying miniature adds another interesting display element. Together, the two pieces form an excellent addition to an advanced Kriegsmarine, U-boat or German naval awards collection.
Use this sentence naturally within the live listing:
Explore further original Kriegsmarine, Heer and Luftwaffe decorations in our German Medals and Awards collection.
Original German Medals and Awards – Nordmenn Militaria
That is an especially strong internal link because the existing Nordmenn category already contains Heer, Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine awards.
Insert this sentence in the manufacturer section:
Compare this badge with an independently documented early SCHWERIN BERLIN 68 U-Boat War Badge held by Helmut Weitze.
Helmut Weitze – Original Schwerin Berlin U-Boat War Badge
For a second authoritative market comparison, use:
Ratisbon’s archive also documents an original early Schwerin U-Boat War Badge produced in Buntmetall.
