The first new addition of the year arrived today, an unmarked Wilhelm Hobacher Minesweeper badge. This one is a zinc badge as all Minesweepers from this maker are. The finish is quite well preserved due to the manufacturing process. The badge was covered in a copper coating before the final finish was applied. Therefore there is a barrier between the zinc base metal and the silver and gilt finish which prevents the zinc swallowing the colours over time. You can see this copper showing through on the wear to the waterspout.
The noticable feature of this badge is the hinge, set into an outline moulded into the badge as is the catch. This feature is useful to note when identifying this maker. Also worthy of note are the striations on the reverse of the badge on the right hand side of the eagle’s wings. This again is a peculiar feature of Hobacher Minesweepers.
You can also find them marked with WH within an oval on the pin. You may also find a mirror image of the mark on the reverse of the pin.
Overall the badge is surprisingly solid for a zincer and there is quite a thickness of material compared to other Minesweepers.

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