Germany. A Kriegsmarine Minesweeper Badge

An early-mid war example of a “Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch, U-Boot Jagd, und Sicherungsverbände”; constructed of gilded and silvered tombac; the obverse with a laurel wreath border and with a central area depicting a sea mine exploding in wavy water, and a national eagle clutching a swastika; the reverse plain, with a slender vertical banjo style pinback, barrel hinge, and a round wire catch; hand engraved “H. Henicke” on the reverse; an unmarked example; measuring 44.61 mm (w) x 55.34 mm (h); weighing 26.3 grams; with nearly all of its original gilt and silver finish remaining; in virtually mint condition.