Minesweeper War Badge, by Förster & Barth
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.GTR.0902.102.07.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
(Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch, U-Boot Jagd, und Sicherungsverbände). Instituted on 31 August 1940 by Supreme Commander Erich Raeder. Constructed of silvered zink, the Minesweeper War Badge consists of a silvered, oval oak leaf wreath, each side having an outer margin of seven oak leaves pointing upward, at the bottom is a stylized bow holding the wreath together, within the lower third of the wreath lies a calm water surface with narrowly spaced horizontal waves, out of the centre of this surface erupts a column of water representing a mine detonation, this explosion covers nearly the remaining two thirds of the inside area of the badge and ends short of the swastika of the national eagle, the top is crowned by a national Kriegsmarine eagle with spread wings, head turned to its right, the swastika is executed in a very small size, the reverse presents a vertical pinback with hinge and catch constructed of tombak and pin constructed of steel, unmarked by displays features typical of Foerster & Barth Variation 2, measures 43.53 mm (w) x 54.03 mm (h), weighs 20.6 grams, and in very fine condition.
The badge was instituted by the Supreme Commander of the Kriegsmarine, Erich Raeder. Its full name is Minesweeper, Subchaser, and Escort Vessel War Badge (Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boots-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände). It was awarded to German Navy personnel protecting German-controlled coastlines performing a variety of duties.
The badge was conferred at the recommendation of the ship’s captain, and was awarded for either the successful completion of three missions, being injured during an operational mission, serving on a ship that was sunk by the enemy, completing service in a heavily mined and dangerous zone, serving on an escort mission for a minimum of 25 days, or demonstrating outstanding conduct for a minimum of six months.
The badge was designed by Otto Placzek in Berlin.
The wreath and eagle are gilded, while the explosion in the water is silvered. The waves at the bottom are often chemically darkened, as is the reverse.
Badges by Förster & Barth are sometimes, but not always marked with the company’s LDO number, L/21. Badges are made of zinc.
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