Minifigure – German Naval Coastal Police (Marine Küstenpolizei) (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWII German Naval Coastal Police (Marine Küstenpolizei)

This toy minifigure represents an officer of the German Naval Coastal Police, known as the Marine Küstenpolizei (MKP) or historically linked to the Wasserschutzpolizei (Water Protection Police). As the image text indicates, this unit bridged the gap between the civilian police and the Navy, responsible for security in harbors, coastal waters, and occupied ports.

• Uniform: He wears a Dark Blue (Dunkelblau) Service Tunic, similar to the standard Navy uniform but distinguished by police-specific insignia.

  • Police Sleeve Eagle: On his left sleeve (“Side – Left” view), there is a printed Police Eagle Patch (Polizeiadhler). Unlike the Navy eagle which is gold and worn on the chest, the police eagle is surrounded by a wreath and worn on the sleeve.

• Headgear: He wears a White-Topped Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze).

  • Insignia Detail: The badge on the cap is the Police Eagle (an eagle inside a wreath), differentiating him from regular naval officers who wore an open-winged eagle. The white top suggests he is a commander or serving in summer/warm weather conditions.

• The Gorget (Ringkragen): The most defining feature of this figure is the silver Metal Gorget printed around his neck, suspended by a chain.

  • Significance: This crescent-shaped metal plate was worn only when on duty. It symbolized his authority to stop vessels, check identification, and enforce martial law. It is similar to the “Chained Dogs” of the Army Field Police.

• Accessories:

  • The Flag: The figure stands next to the Flag of the Water Protection Police (Wasserschutzpolizei). It is a blue square flag featuring a white saltire (diagonal cross), a central gold police swastika emblem, and gold anchors in the corners. This flag identified police boats patrolling the waters.

  • Weapon: A black leather Pistol Holster is attached to his belt on the right side.

Historical Background: The Marine Küstenpolizei was a specialized branch formed to patrol the coastlines of Nazi-occupied Europe. They were often drafted from the civilian Water Police (Wasserschutzpolizei) but placed under the command of the Kriegsmarine (Navy). Their duties included hunting for smugglers, preventing escape attempts by sea, and guarding port facilities. The combination of the Naval-style uniform with Police insignia (sleeve eagle, cap badge) and the Gorget perfectly captures the unique hybrid nature of this unit.