Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by Schwerin

Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge produced by Schwerin of Berlin.   Instituted in 1940, the badge was awarded to Kriegsmarine personnel for their bravery and service in minesweeping, submarine hunting, and escort operations.  Made from high-quality tombak, a brass alloy prized for its durability and ability to hold intricate details. Its design features an oak leaf laurel wreath surrounding the Kriegsmarine eagle and swastika emblem at the top, with a dynamic depiction of an explosive sea mine in the center. The outer wreath and eagle were originally gilded, giving the badge a distinguished golden appearance, while the central sea mine was silvered to create a striking contrast.

This badge bears the “Schwerin Berlin” maker’s mark on the reverse, confirming its authenticity and origin. Schwerin was renowned for its superior manufacturing standards, producing badges of exceptional quality. This particular example is classified as a Type 1 variant, which was produced during the early years of the badge’s issuance, between 1940 and 1942.

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Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge by Schwerin

 

Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge

There are several distinct types of Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badges, classified by their design details and materials, which evolved over time:

  1. Type 1 (1940-1942): Made of high-quality tombak, with detailed gilding and silvering. These are considered the finest examples due to their craftsmanship.
  2. Type 2 (1942-1944): Made of zinc as materials became scarce during the war. While still well-crafted, the finish (gilding and silvering) often deteriorated quickly due to the lower quality base metal.
  3. Type 3 (Post-1944): Late-war examples, also made of zinc, but with further reductions in quality and finish due to the worsening war conditions.

Each type reflects the progression of the war and Germany’s increasing resource constraints, making early Type 1 badges like this Schwerin-produced example especially prized by collectors for their superior craftsmanship and preservation of original finishes.

The Minesweeper Badge was awarded for completing operational sorties, maintaining exemplary service over six months, or participating in particularly hazardous missions. It was worn on the left breast pocket of the naval uniform as a symbol of valor. This Schwerin badge, with its exceptional quality and design, stands as a tribute to the bravery of Kriegsmarine personnel and is a valuable addition to any military collection.

 

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