BACKGROUND: On entering Kriegsmarine service all personnel were assigned and trained for a specific career. These careers consisted of a wide variety of specialty trades and functions with some of the careers restricted to certain rank groups. On successful completion of the appropriate training, personnel were issued distinctive career insignia to be worn on the upper left sleeve of the uniforms. For EM/NCO’s the career insignia could be worn combined with the rank insignia or as separate insignia. Enlisted ranks of Matrose up to and including Hauptgefreiter career insignia were generally embroidered on small, round, bases while NCO ranks of Maat up to and including Oberdeckoffizier career insignia were on larger, vertically oval bases and could come in embroidered or stamped alloy versions. Regulations dictated that the base color of the insignia was to match the color of the uniform it was worn on. Of Note: Rank designations were tied to the career the individual was assigned to and in this case the proper rank designation is Sperrwaffen-Mechanikersmaat.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The insignia consists of a roughly, 90mm tall, 70mm wide, vertically oval, deep navy blue wool base with a machine embroidered, diagonally angled, naval mine superimposed over a multi-cogged gear wheel, which in turn is superimposed on a vertical anchor all in bright golden yellow rayon threads. The reverse of the insignia has a protective black fabric backing intact. The insignia is in overall excellent, unissued condition with minimal age toning.