Original German WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge by Rudolf Karneth & Söhne Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the German WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge, made by manufacturer Rudolf Karneth of Gablonz, a well known maker of WWII Kriegsmarine badges. The company’s R. K. initials are on the back of the award at the top of the “water splash”.

The badge is in very good condition, with a functioning pin back. The silvering on the central portion is still retained somewhat, however as with most later war badges, the gold wash is all but gone from the wreath. The front design 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.

A very nice example of a hard to find award!

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.