Germany, Kriegsmarine. An E-Boat War Badge, First Pattern, by Schwerin and Sons

(Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen, 1. Form). Instituted May 30th, 1941. (First Pattern - Early to mid war issue). A textbook example of an E-Boat badge by this maker, constructed of gilded and silvered tombak, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a Kriegsmarine eagle clutching a mobile swastika, surrounding a central depiction of an E-boat cutting through waves in high relief, the reverse with a block hinge and horizontal banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, topped by a stabilizer, maker marked “Schwerin, Berlin 68” on the reverse and featuring the trademark “scratch” near the bottom of the badge which is part of the die and is apparent on nearly every example, measuring 44.9 mm (w) x 57.3 mm (l), weighing 33.33 grams, repair to the hinge evident with a replacement through-pin, a rare first pattern example in extremely fine condition.