Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge - Near Mint - R. K. - Image 3

Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge - Near Mint - R. K. - Image 4

Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge – Near Mint – R. K.

$495.00

Condition: Near Mint

Maker: RK – Rudolf Karneth

Base Material: Zinc

SKU: E0740 Category: Kriegsmarine Badges Tags Kriegsmarine, minesweeper badge

In stock

Product Description: This is a fantastic and desirable textbook example of the Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge maker marked R.K. for Rudolf Karneth & Söhne, one of the classic manufacturers of this award. Struck in zinc, this badge is remarkable for retaining nearly all of its original finish—something seldom encountered today.

The silvered water spout remains bright and intact, showing only the lightest wear to the high points, while the gold wreath retains virtually 100% of its original gilding, giving the piece a striking, vibrant appearance. The reverse of this Rudolf Karneth Minesweeper Badge is completely textbook, displaying correct hardware and finish, with approximately 98% of the original gold intact—a true rarity on zinc examples.

Condition rates as near mint, with superb eye appeal and a strong, one-look originality that sets it apart from most surviving examples. This Minesweeper Badge by Rudolf Karneth is a highly collectible, investment-grade award that would make a standout addition to any Kriegsmarine or German awards collection.

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-mionth 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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