Original Item: Only One Pair Available. Here we have two examples of the German WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge, which definitely vary a bit in construction style. One is the early war version, made from bronze which was then plated, and features a vertical pinback. The other is a later war zinc construction badge, which is uses a horizontal pinback combined with a hook at the top, both of which are now missing. This style of construction is often seen on badges made in occupied France.

The front design of the badge consists of an oval oak leaf wreath, topped by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swas (hook cross), with a central depiction of an exploding mine on top of detailed waves. The reverse is solid, with a standard pinback attachment.

Both examples are in very nice service worn condition, and this would be perfect for someone looking to show how the design changed over the course of the war. Ready to display!

The Minesweeper War Badge or Minesweepers, Sub-Chasers 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 swas 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.