Austria, Empire. A Handels Merchant Submarine (U-Boat) Badge GTRexclude maker marked “L15” for “Otto

maker marked “L15” for “Otto Schickle

The photo shows an SS-Untersturmführer

Constructed of brown cotton

and that there was no ceremony

Austria, Empire. A Handels Merchant Submarine (U-Boat) Badge GTRexclude maker marked “L15” for “OttoIn die stamped silvered metal, maker marked "ATEL. G. GURSCHNER WIEN VII 2" on the reverse, measuring 30. 3 mm (w) x 38. 5 mm (h), vertical pinback, museum marked "120" on the reverse, extremely fine. Footnote: The Merchant Submarines were non combat vessels designed to brake the Allied sea blockade and bring in strategic raw materials for the Central Powers. Since they were civilian unarmed vessels with a civilian crew, they thus enjoyed full