Condition: Excellent
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Product Description: This is a desirable Minesweeper Badge with loads of great finish. It’s made of zinc. On the front, at least 80 percent of the original gold finish remains to the wreath and national eagle. The silver finish to the water shows more wear to the high points, with the resulting contrast giving this example a lot of character. The back has the manufacturer marking of the as-yet unknown maker known as “AS in Triangle.” The edges of the reverse show some wear, probably from being worn on a uniform. The catch and ball hinge are crimped in, intact and fully functional. This Minesweeper Badge is an attractive, honest worn piece that displays great.
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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