Ultra-Rare – Destroyer Badge by W.H. with Issue Packet

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Expensive? Yes, and try to find another one. Previously sold by H. Weitze. A Kriegsmarine Zerstörerkriegsabzeichen by Wilhelm Hobacher of Wien. The Navy Destroyer War Badge was authorize on June 4th 1940 and could be awarded to every crew member and officer of every destroyer, torpedo boat or S-boat who took part in the actions in Norway (especially around Narvik). They must also be in good standing and participation in either three engagements or three offensive mining operations or 12 sorties against the enemy, there were other special considerations or conditions that may grant the badge as well. It is constructed out of a die struck zinc base that has been gold gilded and chemically blackened under a protective lacquered finish. The obverse depicts a destroyer ship breaking through the sea below a small Kriegsmarine eagle (with closed wings, clutching a mobile swastika within its talons), which is then all encompassed by an oak leaf wreath that is tied together at the bottom. The full back reverse is centrally maker marked: “W.H.”. It also shows a soldered on steel sheet metal hinge, soldered on tombak round wire catch and steel round wire pin. The gilding and blackening are wonderful! It measures approximately 2 1/8 inches high by 1 13/16 inches wide. It comes with a blue paper packet. The packet reads: “Zerstörer-Abzeichen” to the obverse and “W. Hobacher Wien 107” (surrounded by a rectangular border), in black ink. One hole to the obverse. The packet measures 2 ¼ inches wide by 4 1/8 inches tall. THE Ultimate for a Navy Badge Collector.