Coastal Artillery Enlisted Men's Silk Woven Breast Eagle

Elevate your collection with this authentic Coastal Artillery enlisted men silk woven breast eagle, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Embroidered with a yellow eagle on a green background, this breast eagle represents the insignia worn by enlisted men in the Kriegsmarine’s Coastal Artillery branch from 1935 to 1945. Below, we explore its historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The Coastal Artillery enlisted men breast eagle was worn by enlisted personnel in the Kriegsmarine’s Coastal Artillery, responsible for operating anti-ship artillery and heavy fixed guns in coastal fortifications during World War II (1935–1945). The Coastal Artillery defended strategic locations like the Atlantic Wall, Channel Islands, and Baltic ports against Allied naval forces. This yellow eagle on a green background, worn on the tunic, symbolized their specialized role within the Kriegsmarine. Crafted under Kriegsmarine standards, this breast eagle reflects the branch’s defensive mission, making it a significant artifact for WWII studies.

Material & Condition

This Coastal Artillery breast eagle is silk woven with a yellow eagle on a green background, measuring 5.5 cm by 4.5 cm and weighing 1g. Designed for sewing onto Coastal Artillery enlisted men’s tunics, the silk provides a lightweight, elegant base, while the yellow eagle offers a striking contrast. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as silk fraying or color fading, with consistent weaving patterns indicating wartime production. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the finesse of wartime silk weaving.

Collector’s Insight

The Coastal Artillery enlisted men breast eagle is a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for its connection to the Kriegsmarine’s Coastal Artillery and its distinctive design. The yellow eagle and green background make it a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in naval artillery and enlisted insignia. Its historical significance lies in its association with the defense of Nazi Germany’s coastlines, appealing to enthusiasts of Kriegsmarine history.

This breast eagle is ideal for military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays or living-history events. Given its sensitive historical context, collectors must handle this artifact with respect, using it to educate about WWII’s complexities rather than glorifying the associated ideology. For preservation, store the breast eagle in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or case to protect against moisture, UV light, and silk degradation. Displaying it in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation enhances its educational value, offering a tangible link to the era of the Third Reich’s Coastal Artillery.