Navy Minesweeper Badge by W. Deumer

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Navy Awards > Minesweeper Badge

4th Variation - Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch by Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid. Instituted August 31, 1940, the Minesweeper War Badge was awarded for participation in three engagements, special distinction during tours, an outstanding single deed or/and participation in a special operation. Other special conditions more suitably deemed by the commanding officer could grant the award as well. It is constructed out of a die struck zinc alloy base that has been gold gilded, silver washed and blackened. The obverse depicts an explosion coming out of the water, this is below a Kriegsmarine eagle (with out-stretched wings, clutching a swastika within its talons), which is surrounded by an oak leaf and acorn wreath that is tied together on the bottom. The fullback reverse of the badge features a soldered-on plate and c-shaped catch, soldered-on rectangular plate and block hinge, horizontal coke bottle pin and a soldered-on round plate round wire top hook. Finish loss. It measures 2 3/16 inches high by 1 3/4 inches wide.