Unmarked Minesweeper Badge

Product Description: Nice, representative example of the Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge. This one is made of zinc and is presumably a later war example. It retains a lot of original finish. The gold finish on the wreath and eagle is well over 80 percent present, with some age toning, and some thin areas from wear. The silvering on the water spout remains very strong, with wear to the high points in the design. The reverse is flat, and unmarked; the manufacturer of this pattern of Minesweeper Badge is unknown. The hardware is all intact, and all original, with a steel wire pin. An honest example with great character that would display equally well in a frame or on a uniform.

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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