LM Minesweeper & Flottenkriegsabzeichen

[arjan_mess]

Hello,

I wanted to share these with you and as bonus a Gautag Weser-Ems in Oldenburg' Tinnie just cause it looks nice had nothing to do with the KM,
and need help to id the Flottenkriegsabzeichen.
The Minesweeper has scratched the following on the back: 59.V.P.Flott, Ob.Masch.Mt. Holzhauer 1944, the man has served in Sandnessjøen Norway.

Thanks!

[Norm F]

Hi arjan_mess,

The Fleet badge is the S&L-attributed zincer but the reverse hardware has been replaced. I'm also not so sure about the gilding since those splashes on the reverse look suspicious. Possibly a restored original.

The LM Minesweeper is likewise original but with an unusual gilding that doesn't match the reverse. Again, possibly a restored finish, but the hardware is fine and it's nicely personalized with the inscription. Here are a couple of examples (unworn to lightly worn) which show the typical faded finish both obverse and reverse.

That's not to say that the finish couldn't have been restored by or for the original recipient -- he may have wanted to recapture a bit of the old look. It's hard to know.

Best regards,
---Norm

[arjan_mess]

Hi Norm!

Many thanks for your opinion i must agree with you still love them though!

[BubbaZ]

Hi,
I agree with what Norm has said.
Both original zincers, both refinished on the obverse and hinge/pin/catch replaced on S&L HSF.
Here are my badges to show correct finish.
Cheers,
Hubert

[arjan_mess]

Hello Hubert thanks for the amazing pictures looks like i have to buy the book Die Kriegsabzeichen der Kriegsmarine as there is still a lot to learn.

[Peter J.]

Hubert, I guess there is something new to learn every day. If that zinc-coloured LM is supposed to be the correct finish, what are your thoughts about this gilded version?

cheers
Peter

[Norm F]

If that zinc-coloured LM is supposed to be the correct finish, what are your thoughts about this gilded version?

Yep, I believe we've discussed Peter's interesting variant before somewhere, which appears to be correctly gilded over the entire badge before the application of the silver/white finish on the water feature. But you can see that arjan_mess' badge is not that type of variant; clearly the reverse view of his badge shows the usual version of LM with the faded-to-olive finish and there's no gilding under the white finish on the water feature.

Speculation on my part but I suspect it was commonplace for even the original owner of a faded zinc badge to re-finish their award to try to recapture it's original look, although we are often too quick to chalk it up to post-war dealers.

Best regards,
---Norm