Austria, Empire. A Handels Merchant Submarine (U-Boat) Badge

In 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 international protection as a merchant ship.