Imperial German Naval (Kaiserliche Marine) Officer's Cap Badge

Worn on the Kaiserliche Marine naval officer’s schirmütze this badge is made of fine gold bullion with the exception of the Hohenzollern Crown which is of guilded metal and represents a rare variation, the Crowns usually being bullion.
The bullion extends to the laurel leaves that encircle the badgeÂ’s kokarde, these varied according to officerÂ’s duties. This particular variety is for an officer who served aboard a Kaiserliche Marine ship.
The kokarde has a red centre surrounded by rings of black and silver, indicating the Reich rather than a particular State.
Overall condition is very good with some darkening from age but with no damage to the hand embroidered bullion or black wool background.
A beautiful badge made even more attractive by the rare variation to the Crown