Minesweeper: Schwerdt or Scholze?

[jwburchell]

The great amount of discussion and research available on this forum surrounding the maker-logo: "AS within a triangle" aside, I would be interested in opinions as to whether or not this recent pick-up at the Ottawa Show is a period original or fake, please.

I believe it to be mid-war vintage and die-stamped from tomback with an applied silver finish to the reverse. The detail and high-definition of the oakleaves and acorns of the wreath, as well as the eagle (including the triangle feather pattern of the breast) is very good. Regretably, someone has tried to de-Nazify it by partially removing the swastika.

The reverse has a vertical needle pin, inset ball hinge crimped into place and a flat wire catch crimped or soldered into place. The point of the catch is trimmed-off at an angle and the end of the pin, while tapering to a point, has a flat and not a pin-point tip.

The initials "AS within a triangle" maker's logo (A.D. Schwerdt, Stuttgart or Adolf Scholze) appears in relief in the middle of the reverse on the water plume.

This badge appears almost identical to the one appearing on page 364 of Mike Tucker's reference book, except that the strike of this one is better and more defined, in particualr, the maker's logo.

Your serious comments and opinions are welcome and will be appreciated.

Thank you,
John

[jwburchell]

Reverse view:

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear John,

It is a denazified original. The pin MIGHT be replaced, since the hinge pin seems to be too long (replaced) or at least messed with. The pin does not quite have the right shape, but maybe it just seems that way from looking at your picture.

[mrg]

Hi John looks like a nice original to me , good find.

[jwburchell]

Many thanks for your responses, guys. Much appreciated. I am happy to have this confirmed as a period original.
Regards,
John

[Jody]

Minesweeper

Hi John,
This firm, whoever it is made a great product. They also made a killer 2nd pattern E-boat war badge. Here is the one in my collection and you can see the similarities with your piece.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=149419

Regards,

Jody

[jwburchell]

Thanks for your comments, Jody, and great badge you have from Jason B.

Here is a scan which shows the maker mark without the pin closed over it.

John

[Jody]

Thanks for your comments, Jody, and great badge you have from Jason B.

Here is a scan which shows the maker mark without the pin closed over it.

John

Hi John,
Thank you for the picture. I need to get a Minesweeper by that maker now. If you want a good book on Minesweeper badges you should get this one. Your badge is also in it.

Here it is:
http://sammlergemeinschaft-deutscher....net/shopkrim/

Regards,

Jody