WWII GERMAN MINE SWEEPER BADGE -
Many of the nations involved in WWI conducted submarine operations. However, they were fairly limited in scope.
It was not until WWII that underwater operations played a key role in ocean battles. Submarines were very
effective at destroying cargo and combat ships using torpedos. Another weapon that created havoc among
the nation's ports was the mine. This device consisted of an explosive charge that was anchored to the
ocean floor and floated just at the right heigth to hit the body of the ships.
The German Navy developed a ship specifically designed for dealing with mines. It had the capability of
detecting the threat and disabling it. Some of the other functions it had was to lay mine fields and
chase enemy submarines.
The War Badge for Mine Sweepers, Sub Chasers and Escort Ships was created on August 31, 1940. The purpose
was to recognize valuable service provided by crew members of vessels.
The requirements for receiving the badge include:
- Participation in 3 engagements
- Special award for missions in the operational theater
- Participating in outstanding actions
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The "Military minute" is a series of instructional videos created by MilitaryItems.com for the purpose of
providing basic information about military collectibles. The idea is to expose people to the exciting
world of military collectibles.
The video presentation coupled with detailed photographs and written information, including a military
collectible's price guide, and anatomical breakdown of each piece enhances the visitor's experience.
Whether you are a long time collector, a beginner or simply have an interest in the history and value of
each collectible, we hope that you find the information presented here useful.
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The shape of the badge consists of an oval wreath. An eagle has been placed in the upper portion of the oval.
It has the wings spread out and the head faces left. The body of the eagle protrudes outside the bounds
of the wreath. As with most badges, the eagle is clutching a swastika. Right below that is an image of
what best can be described as a flame expanding from a wavy surface which represents the ocean.
The flame represents the result of a mine being exploded.
Normally the wreath and the flame would be guilded, however, it is common for the color to wear out
through normal use and time. The color turns into a shade of silver/gray.
The back of the badge is plain and has a flat shape to it. A vertical "Coke" shape
Pin is provided. It is Hinged at the top and has
a catch at the opposite side that secures it in the closed position. The back also shows
Manufacturing
nomenclature which reads FEC.OTTO. Plackzek Berlin, Ause Berlin. The letters are raised.
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The qualifications for earning the Kriegsmarine Mine Sweeper badge includes.
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The sailor would wear the badge by passing the pin through loops (two or more) sewn onto the
jacket.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
badges in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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This is a closer view of the hinge for the pin and its hinge. It is details like this one
that help identify the real badges from the
fake ones.
The collector must pay attention to all aspects of construction. Things such as the shape of the
pin, the type of tip of the pin and others become very important when determinig authenticity.
GERMAN MINE SWEEPER BADGE VARIATIONS |
The Mine Sweeper badge was produced by several manufacturers and in different configurations.
The following section displays some of the different types that were produced.
This award is currently being
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality
of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style
and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in
order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.
If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our
WWII German Badges and Awards
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and
Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.
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