BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although the uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years, many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. Although the Kriegsmarine utilized a wide variety of different style and sized buttons on its assorted uniform items the most commonly used uniform buttons were the 25mm, (1") and 20mm, (3/4"),diameter, magnetic sheet metal or alloy type buttons. The standard button size for the ornamental mess and dress uniform buttons were the 17mm, (5/8") diameter versions. The standard navy blue and white uniform buttons featured an embossed fouled anchor on a horizontally ribbed background field with a simulated, twisted rope, outer border while the standard uniform button for the field-grey uniforms featured an embossed fouled anchor on a subtly pebbled background field and a raised pebbled outer rim. The buttons for the navy blue and white uniform were generally gilted while those of the field-grey uniforms were field-grey. Of Note: Administrative personnel were distinguished from other Kriegsmarine personnel by having silver uniform insignia including buttons as opposed to the standard golden yellow insignia. Due to the silver insignia the Administrative personnel were contemptuously referred to as Silberlinge, (Silvered Ones).

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The group consists of two roughly, 18mm diameter, silver washed, stamped alloy shoulder board buttons which feature an embossed, fouled anchor on a horizontally ribbed field with a simulated, twisted rope, outer border.