German WWII Kriegsmarine Fleet War Badge Grouping | RS&S Marked Badge with Named Scharnhorst Award Document

Exceptional and highly researched German World War II Kriegsmarine Fleet War Badge (Flottenkriegsabzeichen) grouping, consisting of a maker-marked Fleet War Badge paired with its original named award certificate issued to a sailor who served aboard the legendary German battleship Scharnhorst. Named Kriegsmarine award groupings tied to major warships are among the most desirable categories of German naval collectibles.

The badge is a Kriegsmarine Fleet War Badge manufactured by Richard Simm & Söhne (RS&S) of Gablonz, correctly marked “R.S.&S.” on the reverse. Constructed from die-struck zinc with gilt and blackened finish, the obverse features a battleship cutting through heavy seas beneath the Kriegsmarine eagle, all enclosed within an oak leaf and acorn wreath. The reverse retains the correct crimped steel flat-wire catch, crimped steel ball hinge, and tombak coke-bottle pin. Measuring approximately 2¼ inches high by 1¾ inches wide, the badge retains excellent detail with strong surviving gilding and blackened finish.

Accompanying the award is its original Certificate of Ownership, issued to Boatswain’s Mate Gerald Schiefer, which translates in part: “On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, I award the Boatswain’s Mate Gerald Schiefer for participation in the wartime cruises of the battleship Scharnhorst, the Fleet War Badge.” The document is dated March 1, 1944 and signed by Generaladmiral Otto Schniewind, then serving as Commander-in-Chief of Naval Group Command and Fleet Commander. Otto Schniewind was a highly decorated German naval officer and recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, whose naval career spanned both World Wars, including participation in the famed Scuttling of the German Fleet at Scapa Flow following World War I.

The Fleet War Badge was awarded to personnel serving aboard battleships, cruisers, and major naval vessels who fulfilled prescribed operational service requirements. This example's direct association with the Scharnhorst, one of Germany’s most famous capital ships, significantly enhances its historical and collector appeal. Named Kriegsmarine awards linked to major warships and accompanied by original documentation remain increasingly difficult to acquire.

Highlights
• Kriegsmarine Fleet War Badge (Flottenkriegsabzeichen)
• Maker marked “R.S.&S.” for Richard Simm & Söhne
• Named to Boatswain’s Mate Gerald Schiefer
• Awarded for service aboard the battleship Scharnhorst
• Award document dated March 1, 1944
• Signed by Generaladmiral Otto Schniewind
• Original badge and named award certificate grouping

Condition
The badge retains excellent detail with strong surviving gilding and blackened finish. The reverse hardware remains intact and correct for the maker. The accompanying award document shows expected age, handling wear, and storage-related wear consistent with wartime paper materials while remaining highly displayable.

A remarkable Kriegsmarine award grouping combining a desirable RS&S Fleet War Badge with original named documentation to a sailor who served aboard one of Germany’s most famous battleships.

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