{"product_id":"german-wwii-kriegsmarine-minesweeper-war-badge-otto-placzek-schwerin-dual-marked-tombak","title":"German WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge - Otto Placzek \u0026 Schwerin (Dual-Marked Tombak)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eThis scarce and highly desirable \u003cstrong data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2148\"\u003eGerman WWII Kriegsmarine Minesweeper War Badge\u003c\/strong\u003e is an\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eearly-war solid tombak example, featuring the uncommon and sought-after \u003cstrong data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2254\"\u003edual maker markings\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2286\"\u003e“Fec. Otto Placzek Berlin”\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2319\"\u003e“Ausf. Schwerin Berlin.”\u003c\/strong\u003e This combination is rarely encountered and significantly enhances the badge’s collector appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2417\" data-end=\"2752\"\u003eThe badge retains its correct pin and catch assembly, with honest wear and some loss to the original gold wash, consistent with age. The obverse remains sharply struck, displaying strong detail across the oakleaf wreath, national eagle, and central exploding water plume motif, emblematic of naval mine-clearing operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"2754\" data-end=\"2781\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2759\" data-end=\"2781\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"3168\"\u003eInstituted on \u003cstrong data-start=\"2796\" data-end=\"2815\"\u003eAugust 31, 1940\u003c\/strong\u003e, by Großadmiral \u003cstrong data-start=\"2832\" data-end=\"2848\"\u003eErich Raeder\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Minesweeper War Badge was awarded to personnel serving aboard minesweepers, escort vessels, and sub-chasers who completed multiple operational sorties. These crews operated under constant threat from naval mines and enemy engagement, making this decoration a significant recognition of frontline naval service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3321\"\u003eEarly \u003cstrong data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3195\"\u003etombak examples\u003c\/strong\u003e such as this are especially prized, as later wartime production shifted to lower-grade materials due to resource constraints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3323\" data-end=\"3341\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3341\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3467\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1qej8py\" data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3381\"\u003eStrong strike and detail throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1atmca5\" data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3417\"\u003eCorrect reverse hardware intact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1sl1h2b\" data-start=\"3418\" data-end=\"3467\"\u003eLight wear with partial loss of original gilt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3469\" data-end=\"3622\"\u003eA premium Kriegsmarine combat award, offering both \u003cstrong data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3557\"\u003erarity and strong visual presence\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideal for advanced collectors of WWII German naval decorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3643\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3629\" data-end=\"3643\"\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3644\" data-end=\"3758\"\u003eAcquired from a \u003cstrong data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"3694\"\u003enotable U.S. museum collection\u003c\/strong\u003e, further enhancing its credibility and historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3760\" data-end=\"3940\"\u003e⚔️ \u003cstrong data-start=\"3763\" data-end=\"3783\"\u003eWhy Shop With Us\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3786\"\u003e• Over 2,500 5-star reviews online\u003cbr data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"3827\"\u003e• Carefully researched and curated militaria\u003cbr data-start=\"3875\" data-end=\"3878\"\u003e• Fast, secure, and reliable shipping from Austin, Texas\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43562928472138,"sku":"WIW1756","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/German-WWII-Kriegsmarine-Minesweeper-War-Badge-Otto-Placzek-Schwerin-Dual-Marked-Tombak.jpg?v=1777813420","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/german-wwii-kriegsmarine-minesweeper-war-badge-otto-placzek-schwerin-dual-marked-tombak","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}