Original German WWII Unfinished/Reject Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge By Rettenmaier-
This is an unfinished or factory-rejected example of the Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge (Hilfskreuzer-Kriegsabzeichen), displaying the distinctive obverse design attributed to the firm Rettenmaier of Pforzheim.
The badge is die-struck in zinc and remains in its unfinished state, with no hardware fitted to the reverse. The obverse depicts the globe surmounted by a Viking longship under sail, surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath topped with the German national eagle and swastika. The details of the waves at the ship’s bow are shallow, suggesting either a light or incomplete striking or a rejected piece due to insufficient die pressure.
While some collectors have proposed that similar pieces may be cast reproductions made post-war using original dies, this example shows no clear casting flaws or evidence of modern tooling. The absence of hardware or solder traces is more consistent with an unissued, unfinished badge rather than a reproduction. Rettenmaier is known to have retained leftover dies and partially finished badges well into the post-war years, so this could represent one of those surviving rejects or unfinished stock pieces.
Maker: Rettenmaier, Pforzheim (unmarked, but of known obverse die pattern)
Construction: Zinc, unfinished; no hardware attached
Condition: Exhibits very light surface oxidation and storage wear; unfinished back with no pin fittings
Dimensions: Approximately 48mm x 56mm
An interesting variant or workshop piece that illustrates the manufacturing process and quality control of wartime Kriegsmarine badge production.
