Original WWII German Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge by Rudolf Souval with Award Packet

More about the product

An original Second World War German Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge (Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände) manufactured by the respected Austrian maker Rudolf Souval of Vienna, complete with its original issue award packet.

Instituted on 31 August 1940, the Minesweeper War Badge was awarded to personnel serving aboard minesweepers, submarine chasers and other naval security vessels in recognition of operational service, combat participation and hazardous minesweeping duties.

The badge features the traditional gilt oakleaf wreath surmounted by the national eagle and enclosing a silvered exploding sea mine rising above stylised waves. The reverse retains its original pin, hinge and catch assembly, with the maker’s “R.S.” mark neatly applied to the reverse of the central device, a characteristic feature of Souval-produced examples.

Note the tilted catch highlighted in the book Combat Badges of the Third Reich page 369.

Accompanying the badge is its original wartime issue packet, printed in red “Minensuchboot-Abzeichen” to the front and stamped to the reverse “Rudolf Souval, Wien VII/62”, making this a desirable complete set that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Condition

• Original WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge
• Manufactured by Rudolf Souval, Wien
• Reverse marked “R.S.”
• Complete with original wartime issue packet
• Packet correctly marked “Minensuchboot-Abzeichen”
• Reverse of packet stamped “Rudolf Souval, Wien VII/62”
• Original hinge, pin and catch remain intact and fully functional
• Gilt and silver finish display honest age-related wear with an attractive untouched patina
• Award packet shows expected age, storage wear and light creasing consistent with wartime paper items
• Overall an excellent original badge and packet set ideal for the Kriegsmarine collector

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Why Collect This Piece?

The Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge was awarded to the crews who undertook some of the most hazardous duties at sea, clearing minefields and protecting vital shipping lanes throughout the Second World War. Complete examples accompanied by their original maker-marked issue packets are considerably scarcer than badges alone. Produced by Rudolf Souval, one of Austria’s best-known wartime medal manufacturers, this original set represents an excellent addition to any collection of German naval awards or WWII militaria.

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