German WWII Battleship Schlesien Patriotic Badge
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $65.00

Original era manufacture. The Linienschiff Schlesien was a Deutschland Class Battleship launched in 1906 and commissioned in 1908. She served under the three governments during her long career. Seeing combat during the Battle of Jutland, and during WWII during the bombardment of Poland in 1939, acting later in an Air Defense capacity for the port of Gotenhafen. In April of 1945 she was attempting to evacuate 1000 wounded soldiers when she struck a mine and beached herself in shallow waters. With most of her upper decks and armament above the waters surface, she acted as artillery support for the retreating German Army.The gilded alloy enameled emblem represents the  shield, or crest of the Schlesien, carried on her bow. The emblem measures 15 x 20 mm, with a unique mounting bar, and is maker marked Fritz Hinke, Wilhelmshaven.