WWII Original German Kreigsmarine Minesweeper Badge  

SKU: 908

Original/Reproduction: Original

Availability: In-stock

Manufacturer: Schwerin

Manufacturer Year: 1940's

Material: Tombac

Condition: Very Good

Price: $375.00

Seller Type: WW2C

Seller ID: JMW

Seller Code: PS250

Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.

Description:

This is an original World War II German Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge, officially known as the Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände (War Badge for Minesweeper, Submarine-Chaser, and Escort-Vessel formations). This distinctive naval combat award recognized the dangerous and demanding service performed by Kriegsmarine personnel engaged in mine-clearing, anti-submarine, escort, and coastal security operations during World War II.

History of the Minesweeper War Badge

The Minesweeper War Badge was instituted on August 31, 1940, by Kriegsmarine Commander-in-Chief Grand Admiral Erich Raeder. It was intended to recognize sailors serving aboard minesweepers, submarine chasers, escort vessels, and related security units whose duties routinely exposed them to mines, enemy submarines, aircraft, and severe operating conditions.

The badge was designed by noted Berlin sculptor and graphic artist Otto Placzek, who was responsible for several important German military award designs of the period.

Unlike many Kriegsmarine combat badges that prominently feature a warship, submarine, or naval artillery piece, the Minesweeper Badge uses a dramatic exploding sea mine and towering column of water as its central motif.

Design & Construction

The obverse features a vertically oval oak-leaf wreath, originally finished in a gold-colored gilt. At the top is the national eagle with outstretched wings. Within the wreath is the badge's unmistakable centerpiece—a stylized exploding sea mine rising from the waves with a large water plume, traditionally finished in silver.

Early examples were commonly manufactured from tombak or other non-ferrous alloys, while later wartime production increasingly utilized zinc (Feinzink) as strategic materials became scarce. Zinc examples frequently exhibit substantial fading or absorption of their original gilt and silver finishes, producing the subdued gray appearance commonly encountered on genuine period-used badges today.

Period examples generally measure approximately 54–56 mm high by 43.5–45 mm wide, although dimensions and construction details can vary somewhat depending upon the manufacturer. Reverse pin, hinge, and catch configurations also differed among makers.

Award Criteria

Award of the Minesweeper War Badge was based upon qualifying operational service. Criteria included participation in operational engagements or sorties, distinguished performance during extended service, hazardous operations in mined waters, and qualifying periods of escort duty. Special circumstances, including being wounded during an operation or serving aboard a vessel lost in combat, could also qualify a sailor for the award.

The requirements reflected the particularly hazardous nature of minesweeping and escort work. These relatively small vessels frequently operated in waters threatened by naval mines, submarines, enemy aircraft, surface forces, and adverse weather, often performing essential duties without the visibility afforded to the Kriegsmarine's larger combat vessels.

Condition

This original WW2 German Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge is in good condition, displaying honest age and service-related wear consistent with an authentic wartime naval award. The raised details of the oak-leaf wreath, eagle, water explosion, and waves remain identifiable and give the badge considerable period character.

Any age-related finish loss, oxidation, toning, or surface wear should be considered consistent with its wartime manufacture and history. Such finish loss is particularly common among zinc-produced Kriegsmarine badges. The reverse hardware and any maker markings should be evaluated from the accompanying detailed photographs for the exact configuration of this example.

An attractive and historically significant original Kriegsmarine combat badge, representing the sailors who performed some of the German Navy's most hazardous and indispensable duties. A desirable addition to a collection of WW2 German Kriegsmarine awards, naval badges, uniforms, or military decorations.

Condition: Good
Country: Germany
Period: World War II
Branch: Kriegsmarine (German Navy)
Award: Minesweeper War Badge
German Name: Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände
Instituted: August 31, 1940
Designer: Otto Placzek, Berlin
Type: Kriegsmarine Naval Combat Badge
Originality: Original Period WW2 Example