WW2 German Kriegsmarine Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-U-Boat-Jagd u. Sicherungsverbände – MINESWEEPER BADGE – Steinhauer & Lück – TOMBAK – RARE!

Description

You are bidding on a SUPERB and VERY RARE example of a 100% ORIGINAL WW2 German Kriegsmarine Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-U-Boat-Jagd, und Sicherungsverbände (Minesweeper War Badge)! Manufactured by Steinhauer & Lück, this example is the collector-classified M2.6.3 variant, identified by its distinctive construction, hinge, catch, and hardware configuration.

The Minesweeper War Badge was instituted in 1940 and awarded to members of the Kriegsmarine serving with minesweeping, submarine-hunting, escort, and security units. These crews performed some of the most dangerous and essential naval duties of the war, clearing minefields, protecting shipping lanes, escorting convoys, and defending German-controlled coastal waters. The badge’s design incorporated the traditional naval eagle and swastika above a wreath surrounding a stylized explosion and water column, symbolizing the hazardous work of mine-clearing and maritime security units. Numerous manufacturers produced the award in different constructions and hardware configurations, with certain variants being considerably scarcer than others.

Made of tombak, this original Steinhauer & Lück (S & L)  Minesweeper War Badge is in EXCELLENT original used condition and is a VERY RARE and seldom encountered variant! The obverse retains approximately 90–95% of its original finish, with only slight wear from age and use. The eagle and swastika are completely intact, with no cracks, bends, or damage, and the wreath and central design remain sharp and undistorted. The reverse shows more wear consistent with period use but retains the correct original hardware configuration associated with this S&L variant, including the distinctive hinge, catch, and flat pin construction. The pin opens and closes correctly and secures properly in the catch. The badge is unmarked, as expected for this model, but the construction is 100% identifiable as Steinhauer & Lück and corresponds to the collector-designated M2.6.3 variant. There are no repairs, replaced parts, or postwar alterations. An EXCELLENT and VERY RARE example of one of the scarcer Steinhauer & Lück Minesweeper Badge variants…PERFECT for any Kriegsmarine, naval award, combat badge, or WW2 German collection or display!