Kriegsmarine Gold plating

[John R]

Were any of the KM badges gold plated by special order. I ask this since in the US Navy, it is common for Special Warfare (SEALS), submariners, and aviators to gold plate their badges. Has this been observed on badges in the KM?

I do not mean the very special awards given out to RK winners, etc, I mean for the ordinary officer and sailor to have it done on their own.

Other question, was there any quantity of gold at all used in the plating/gilding process on the tombak badges.

John

Edited May 26, 2006 by John Robinson

[Gary B]

Dear john,

Kriegs badges, at least the early ones, had a mecury fire gilded finish. The process does require some gold to be used. Typically the amalgam (mercury alloy) contains 6-8 parts of mercury with 1 part gold. Once the excess mercury is seperated from the mixture it is applied to the badge. The badge is then fired so the mercury evaporates leaving the gold behind.

Hope this helps.

Gary B

Were any of the KM badges gold plated by special order. I ask this since in the US Navy, it is common for Special Warfare (SEALS), submariners, and aviators to gold plate their badges. Has this been observed on badges in the KM?

I do not mean the very special awards given out to RK winners, etc, I mean for the ordinary officer and sailor to have it done on their own.

Other question, was there any quantity of gold at all used in the plating/gilding process on the tombak badges.

John