Original German WWII Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet Badge By Friedrich Orth
This is an original German WWII Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet Badge (Flotten-Kriegsabzeichen), designed by Adolf Bock and instituted on 30 April 1941. The badge was awarded to officers and enlisted personnel who served aboard capital ships of the German High Seas Fleet, including battleships and battlecruisers, and who met the required operational service criteria or participated in combat actions.
This example was manufactured by the highly regarded firm Friedrich Orth of Vienna, a desirable maker known for producing high-quality Kriegsmarine awards. The badge is die-struck from zinc and retains a pleasing silver-gray finish with an attractive, untouched patina developed through decades of age. The finely detailed wreath of oak leaves is surmounted by the Kriegsmarine eagle clutching a swastika, while the center depicts a powerful battleship cutting through heavy seas. The details remain crisp throughout, with only light wear to the high points and natural finish loss typical of wartime zinc construction.
The reverse retains its original hinge, round wire pin, and catch assembly, all of which remain intact and fully functional. The reverse is faintly marked "F.O." for Friedrich Orth, with the maker's mark partially softened by age but still discernible. The badge exhibits the quality and construction characteristics expected from this respected manufacturer.
Overall, this is an honest, untouched example of one of the Kriegsmarine's most desirable combat awards and would make an excellent addition to any German WWII naval or awards collection.
