2nd Pattern E-Boat Badge by R.S.

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Navy Awards > S-Boat Badge

A 2nd Pattern S-Boat War Badge by Rudolf Souval of Wien. The Fast Attack Craft War Badge (Das Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen) was awarded to worthy individuals who had served in twelve combat engagements on fast attack craft or torpedo boats, other special circumstances may grant the award as well. The S- Boat Badge design was changed on January 28, 1943, from the earlier 1st pattern (S-30 boat) to the 2nd pattern (S-38 boat), based on proposals of the crews. They felt the earlier style was not correct and therefore unsatisfactory. It is constructed out of a die struck zinc base that has been blackened, silver washed and gold gilded. The obverse features a large S-boat (S-38 type) breaking through the sea below a kriegsmarine eagle (with out-stretched wings, clutching a mobile swastika within its talons), which is all surrounded by an oak leaf and acorn wreath that is tied together at the bottom. The full-back reverse of the badge hollow reverse is correctly maker marked: “R.S.” and displays the correct steel; soldered on sheet metal hinge, soldered on round plate flatwire catch, round wire steel pin. The details throughout the ship, waves and eagle are superb! It measures 2 1/8 inches wide by 2 3/8 inches tall. See page 649 of the "The Kriegsmarine Awards" Vol. II by Weber and Skora. An excellent piece!