Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge – Zinc – Souval

Product Description: An exceptionally attractive Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge – Zinc – Souval, manufactured by Rudolf Souval, representing one of the most recognizable and desirable awards bestowed upon Kriegsmarine minesweeper and auxiliary vessel personnel during the Second World War. This textbook zinc example displays outstanding wartime character and the rich patina highly valued by advanced German naval militaria collectors.

The obverse retains an appealing amount of its original gold wash across the wreath, with expected wear to the high points revealing the underlying zinc base metal beneath. This natural toning and finish loss is entirely consistent with period zinc construction and adds significantly to the badge’s authenticity and visual depth. The central water spout and wave detail preserve traces of the original silver wash within the recessed areas, while the raised surfaces exhibit honest wear from age and handling.

The reverse is equally impressive, displaying classic Souval characteristics throughout and retaining a pleasing amount of original gold wash with the typical age-related finish loss associated with wartime zinc badges. The hardware and overall construction remain textbook in every respect, further enhancing the desirability of the piece among discerning collectors of WWII German naval awards.

Displaying excellent detail, attractive aging, and unmistakable wartime character, this Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge – Zinc – Souval stands as a fine representative example of a coveted Kriegsmarine combat decoration and would make a distinguished addition to any advanced collection of German WWII militaria.

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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