Imperial German Kriegsmarine U-Boat Qualification Badge, WW I

Description:  Presented is one WW I vintage, original Imperial German Kriegsmarine U-Boat Qualification badge. It is cast brass with correct top pin-back. On reverse, embossed is: “JUNKER BERLIN SW68” along with the badge’s silver hallmark (“.800”). Junker was one of 's finest Military Badge Manufacturers. The badge is in excellent condition, is oval-shaped and measures approximately 2″ wide x 1.75” high. An oval wreath of leaves contains within a U-Boot complete with its conning tower, periscope and bridge. A detailed Hohenzollern Crown (Reichskrone) appears at top center. The badge was worn on the lower left side of the uniform. This badge displays a marvelous patina that has not been cleaned allowing it to age naturally.
 

Abstract:  The award was instituted on 1 February 1918 as the U-Boot Abzeichen (U-Boat Badge). To earn theThe award was instituted on 1 February 1918 as the U-Boot Abzeichen (U-Boat Badge). To earn the qualification badge, every sailor (officer, NCO, or enlisted man) had to serve aboard a U-Boat and participate in a minimum of three war patrols. During the later part of the war, U-boat losses were so great that many crewmen never made it past the second war patrol. The badge was, then, awarded if the submariner had been wounded or killed in action. In the event of death, the award was presented to the next of kin. Additionally, the badge was awarded for completion of an especially successful first patrol
 

History: This item has been in my personal collection since January, 2001 . It has been stored in a conditioned, smoke free environment, absent of sunlight and has never been publicly displayed.

Guarantee:  This item is guaranteed original and vintage to the period indicated and as herein described.

Shipping & Handling:  The sales price includes packing & small items crating. Unless noted, all items are packed and ready for immediate shipment (See Payment below). There may be a crating charge for very large items, framed pictures, fragile items, saddles, etc. Shipping and large item crating charges will be determined at checkout and will be added to the item sales price. Small packages will be shipped by U.S.P.S. Priority Mail unless directed differently by the Buyer. Large items will be shipped buy U.P.S.. Combined postage and packing costs on multiple purchases. Free shipping items are marked as such. I do not charge a handling fee and I do not mark up shipping charges. I use extreme care in packaging and will not be responsible for damages during or after shipment.

Insurance:  Basic insurance coverage is only the amount covered  under the Carrier’s base shipping charges (Normally $50.00 for U.S.P.S.). Additional insurance if requested by the Buyer is additional and will be added to the final sales price. Tracking and all insurance claims are the Buyer’s responsibility. However, I will assist when possible. I will provide the Buyer the Carrier’s Tracking Number.

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Returns:  Normally I do not accept returns. However, in certain cases I will consider special request. If accepted, the Buyer will be responsible for the return shipping cost and full refund insurance. There will be no refund for lost or damaged returned items. Returned items must be returned in the same condition as shipped from me. No return request will be accepted after fifteen (15) calendar days from the original shipping date. Once received and if approved, the return funds will be mailed within five (5) calendar days.

SKU: 01- 01+026