Tombak German Minesweeper Badge – Schickle

Product Description: This German Minesweeper Badge is a really appealing piece. This is a top quality, early production award, made from Tombak. The obverse is extraordinary, with all of the original finish. The bright gilding on the wreath and eagle contrasts nicely with the full darkening on the water plume. All of the original detail is intact, and the surfaces are smooth and clean. The reverse of this badge is flat and smooth, with a mild, uncleaned patina. There is no maker mark, but the details identify the maker of this variant as Schickle. The hardware setup is classic for this maker, with a sheet metal hinge and catch, and a functional banjo-style pin. There are no repairs, no damage. This desirable German Minesweeper Badge is a particularly nice example, with outstanding eye appeal. The condition rates as excellent plus.

Historical Description: The Minesweeper, Sub-Chaser 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 swastika 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.

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