German WWII Minesweeper Badge-This is a good beginner example of a minesweeper badge made of zinc. This has lost the majority of its original finish to the wreath and wave. The details to the wave as well as the wreath remain in very good condition. The needle pin, barrel hinge and crimped catch function as intended. This badge is marked under the pin with LM the stylized logo for Lind & Meyrer, of Oberstein. This is a good placeholder.
History: Instituted on 31 August 1940 by Supreme Commander Erich Raeder. This medal was awarded to Kriegsmarine members for service on mine sweeper vessels, sub chasers or escort vessels. Some examples that the award could derive from: The candidate had completed at least three operational sorties, was wounded during an operational sortie, the ship he was sailing in an operation was sunk due to enemy action, participated in a specific sortie that proved very successful, had shown exemplary conduct in the execution of his duties over a six-month period, completed an especially dangerous mission in a mined area or served on escort duty for 25 days or more.