Tombak Juncker Minesweeper Badge

Product Description: This Tombak Juncker Minesweeper Badge is an absolute gem. It’s a top quality, early piece, in outstanding condition. The obverse boasts gorgeous original finish, and shows only very minimal wear. The gilded wreath shines brightly, with nice original factory applied lacquering over the gold finish. The waves retain their original darkening, and the water plume is nicely silvered, with only slight age toning. The reverse of this Tombak Juncker Minesweeper Badge is flat and smooth, with an original silver finish. There is no maker mark, but this is undoubtedly a Junvker product. The high-quality hardware setup is still functional, and features a banko pin and soldered block hinge and “C” catch. There are no repairs, no damage, and no indication this piece has ever been cleaned. These badges are very hard to find in this condition. This example rates as near mint, and would be very difficult to upgrade.

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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