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 95mm, 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. A horizontal pin-back device, with a hinge and catch, is to its hollow-backed reverse. "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.