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M-009 Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-U-Boots Jagd und Sicherungsverbände (War Badge for Minesweeper, etc.)
Made by Schwerin; EXTREMELY RARE Example in Aluminum
This badge is an amazing piece – a super scarce example of
this always desirable Navy badge, but this example is the rarely encountered
version made of aluminum. In all other respects it is the same design as the
usual badges, simply much lighter. The badge is in pretty good condition with
much of its original finish remaining. It does not appear that the German’s
metallurgical plating skills quite sufficed when it came to aluminum: though
most of the fire gilt plating remains, the areas where it is gone indicates the
plating flaked off (primarily to the eagle’s wingtips), rather than faded. The
gold has a very slight patina, for a nice, lightly aged look. The exploding
water plume stands out nicely silvered, with the rippled waves in the same
color. The badge reverse is almost completely dark toned, The matte silver
reverse has toned much darker than the front, with some dark patina stippling as
well. The hinge is nicely machined, with the square base plate inset into the
badge. The needle pin has an arrow straight shaft, and rests securely in a
round-wire, question mark shaped catch. Awarded for three or more operational
sorties, an outstanding individual act of bravery, and several other criteria,
the Minesweeper Badge was designed by the well-respected academically trained
sculptor and commercial artist Otto Placzek. A mega-rare example of the
very seldom-encountered aluminum type Minesweeper Badge, in very good condition.
$900.00
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Item M-009