The Story
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the German WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge, which looks to be made from cast zinc alloy. The badge is in very good condition, with a functioning pin back. The silvering on the central "splash" portion of the design is still partially retained, and like most we see, the gold wash on the oak leaf wreath has oxidized and faded. In this case the silvering on the "splash" was applied over the gold wash, and is actively flaking off. The reverse of the badge still retains the silvering very well.
The front design consists of an oval oak leaf wreath, topped by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swas (hook cross), with a central depiction of an exploding mine on top of detailed waves. The reverse is solid, with a standard pinback attachment. This example is not marked, which is not uncommon for later war produced examples.
A very nice example of a hard to find award!
The Minesweeper War Badge or Minesweepers, Sub-Chasers and Escort-Vessel War Badge (Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände) was instituted on August 31, 1941 by Kriegsmarine leader Grossadmiral Erich Raeder. The purpose of this award was to recognize the achievement and experience of the sailors on the German Navy’s minesweeper vessels. In this unnerving duty, sailors faced exposure to the elements as well as constant danger from mines, submarines, and airplanes.
The Minesweeper Badge features a representation of an exploding sea mine, surrounded by a wreath and surmounted by the German national eagle and swas emblem. It was designed by Otto Placzek and was made in tombak and zinc, with most later examples being the zinc type. The award could be ordered by leaders of minesweeper boats, patrol boats, and special units, and by superior Kriegsmarine commands. To qualify for this badge, a sailor had to make three operational sorties, be wounded on a sortie, show exemplary conduct over a six-month period, participate in an especially dangerous mission, serve on escort duty for 25 days or more, or be on a ship that was sunk by enemy action- the badge could be awarded posthumously.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the German WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge, which looks to be made from cast zinc alloy. The badge is in very good condition, with a functioning pin back. The silvering on the central "splash" portion of the design is still partially retained, and like most we see, the gold wash on the oak leaf wreath has oxidized and faded. In this case the silvering on the "splash" was applied over the gold wash, and is actively flaking off. The reverse of the badge still retains the silvering very well.
The front design consists of an oval oak leaf wreath, topped by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swas (hook cross), with a central depiction of an exploding mine on top of detailed waves. The reverse is solid, with a standard pinback attachment. This example is not marked, which is not uncommon for later war produced examples.
A very nice example of a hard to find award!
The Minesweeper War Badge or Minesweepers, Sub-Chasers and Escort-Vessel War Badge (Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände) was instituted on August 31, 1941 by Kriegsmarine leader Grossadmiral Erich Raeder. The purpose of this award was to recognize the achievement and experience of the sailors on the German Navy’s minesweeper vessels. In this unnerving duty, sailors faced exposure to the elements as well as constant danger from mines, submarines, and airplanes.
The Minesweeper Badge features a representation of an exploding sea mine, surrounded by a wreath and surmounted by the German national eagle and swas emblem. It was designed by Otto Placzek and was made in tombak and zinc, with most later examples being the zinc type. The award could be ordered by leaders of minesweeper boats, patrol boats, and special units, and by superior Kriegsmarine commands. To qualify for this badge, a sailor had to make three operational sorties, be wounded on a sortie, show exemplary conduct over a six-month period, participate in an especially dangerous mission, serve on escort duty for 25 days or more, or be on a ship that was sunk by enemy action- the badge could be awarded posthumously.
