B.H. Mayer L/18 marked Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch - U-Boots - Jagd - und Sicherungsverbände.

[Adrian]

A curious badge. A marked L/18 B.H. Mayer Minesweeper in zinc but with non typical reverse hardware.

The badge is a match to known Mayer badges in terms of details and trimming outlines but the reverse hardware is likely replaced and a coat of silver wash has been applied.

What is curious is that it isn't a typical pin and hinge for Mayer but it is a short pin, similar to what can be found on the reverse of a Juncker destroyer badge. Whoever made the repair hasn't just thrown a generic pin on the back.

The small brass or tombak plates commonly seen underneath Mayer hardware are also absent.

Anyway, posted for interest!

[Norm F]

Hi Adrian,

Coincidentally, I have some old photos of that same badge on file from 2016 although I can't remember from where. It looks like there was more of the silver wash retained on the catch plate back then.

On your photos it looks like there's a linear marking to the left of the hinge, possibly from a tool used to pry off the original rectangular base plate.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Adrian]

That's the one Norm, from Carl at Regimental Depot.

I can't place the hinge and pin at the moment, I'll have a look through the Kriegsmarine makers later on and see if I can find a match. Strange that the plate should be removed to afix a new hinge to the badge when you would think that it would be a good base to solder onto.

[Norm F]

It looks similar to the generic barrel hinge used by many makers including Schwerin, Juncker, S&L, F&BL and Hobacher. However, when you look closely, it seems that the flanges have been cut or filed shorter for some reason so that it is no longer standard.