Minesweeper Badge by RK

Product Description: This is a fantastic example of the Minesweeper Badge by RK Rudolf Karneth. The front of this badge retains most of its original finish, something not commonly seen today on zinc based badges. The water spout retains most of its original silvering, with only minor wear to high points. The gold wreath retains most of its original gold finish. The back of this Minesweeper Badge Rudolf Karneth is textbook in all aspects, and retains about 95 percent of the original gold finish. This is a very attractive example of a Minesweeper Badge by RK Rudolf Karneth.

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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