Images(2)

Spanish Corvette Descubierta Badge

Manufacturer Prolam astus; Spain

Period20th century

Classification(s)

Badges

Object TypeCrest Badge; Ship Badge; Commemorative Badge

Registration NumberMMM 000747

DescriptionBadge of the Descubierta-class corvette Descubierta F31 (Discovered F31).

The class was a series of corvettes built for the Spanish Navy in the late 1970s and early 1980s. On October 9, 1989, Descubierta F31 became the first Spanish ship to participate in a NATO force, when it was included in an activation of the non-permanent NATO Naval Force in the Mediterranean. In 1990, she was sent to the Persian Gulf along with the frigate Santa Maria and the corvette Huntress after the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in monitoring mission and mandate compliance blocking UN. In 1991 she fired a torpedo missile at destroyer of the Navy Churruca (D-61). She intercepted and seized the treasure hunter ship Odyssey Explorer at the port of Gibraltar.

The circular bronze badge depicts the image of the original Discovered F31 superimposed onto 2 crossed torpedos and an anchor, topped with a Royal crown. To the left of the image is the date '1789,' and to the right is the date '1978.' At the top of the border are the words 'NAVIGARE NECESSE EST' which is Latin for 'To sail is necessary.' At the bottom is the name of the 'DESCUBIERTA.' At the bottom of the crest is a plaque bearing the following 'EL COMANDANTE Y DOTACION/EN/RECUERDO DE SU ESTANCIA,' which translates to 'The Commander and Endowment on Memory of his Stay.' The item is not polychromised.InscriptionsOn recto "NAVICARE NECESSE EST - 1789 - 1978 - DESCUBIERTA" and on bronze plaque "EL COMANDANTE Y DOTACION/EN/RECUERDO DE SU ESTANCIA".Annotations and MarksOn verso "PROLAM astus 30310 Los Dolores Cartagena 1. 968-511762 f. 531358" written repetitively on a grey backing with white lines.Material

Wood, bronze

Technique

Cast in bronze on a metal plaque.

Place of Manufacture

Spain

DimensionsOverall: 24.8 × 30 cm, 2.1 kg

Alternate ID Numbers