Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Minesweeper Badge, by Rudolf Karneth

(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 banjo style pinback, barrel hinge, and a round wire catch; maker marked “R.K.” for “Rudolf Karneth” on the reverse; measuring 44.57 mm (w) x 55.26 mm (h); weighing 27.5 grams; in overall very fine condition.

Footnote: This Minesweeper Badge stems from the personal collection of predominant historian Thomas Durante, author of “The German Close Combat Clasp of Word War II - A Collectors Guide to the German Close Combat Clasp of World War II”.