BACKGROUND: The NSDMB, "National Sozialistische Deutscher Marine Bund" (National Socialist German Navy League), was the new name, adopted by its members in 1935, for the earlier "Bund Deutscher Marine Vereine" (League [of the] German Navy Association). In 1938 it was attached to the NS-RKB, "Nationalsozialistische-Reichskriegerbund," who introduced a new pattern national eagle for wear on the breast and visor cap, which was almost identical to the earlier "Soldatenbund" (Soldiers’-league) eagle. The NSDMB came under the control of the "Kriegsmarine" (Navy) in 1943.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A stamped, gilt-washed alloy eagle, whose spread wings have a span of 65mm, with a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons, and a black enamel-painted Iron Cross to its breast, behind which is an anchor and crossed swords. Complete with original prongs. "Ges." is embossed to the reverse of one of the eagle’s wings, and "Gesch.," to the other, for "Gesetzlich Geschützt" (By-law Protected). Nice example. Scarce.