Original Items: Only One Available. The Panzer Badge (German: Panzerkampfabzeichen) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to troops in armored divisions. The Panzer Badge was introduced on 20 December 1939, in order to recognize the achievements of Panzer personnel who took part in armored assaults. It was designed by the Berlin firm of Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, and was instituted by order of Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch. On 6 June 1940, a separate class of the badge, in Bronze, was added in order to recognize the crews of armored vehicles other than tanks. The award document that came with it was the common type that had the particulars of the recipient (rank, name) and the authorizing signature of an officer. The Panzer Badge was worn on the left tunic pocket. The bronze version of the Panzer Badge was authorized for armored personnel and Panzer grenadier units equipped with armored vehicles. It was also to be presented to members of armored reconnaissance groups and rifle battalions of Panzer divisions. The authorization of these badges was usually done at a regimental or divisional level.
This very nice example in Silver grade is constructed of oval shaped zinc with a silver wash. It still does retain much of the silver wash on both sides, however it has oxidized to a dark tarnished patina on both the front and the back. This gives it a lovely color, almost a dark blue. The design is iconic, the front has a border of oak leaves tied at the base, a Heer-style national eagle clutching a mobile swas (hook cross) perches at the top of the wreath, a Panzerkampfwagen IV superimposed in the center on grassy ground, with its left tank track extending over the edge of the badge. Measuring 1.64 inches (41.65 mm) W x 2.36 (60.06 mm) H. Offered in overall very good condition, with all the details still present, and a functional pinback.
The reverse is a plain stamped "hollow back" design, and does not have a maker mark on it, which is not uncommon for later war badges. Close examination of the details may be able to attribute it to a maker.
As a rare treat, this award comes complete with its original named and dated Besitzzeugnis "possession/award" certificate! The award document indicates that it was awarded to Obergefreiten George Nanke of Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 1367 (Assault Gun Detachment 1367) on 4. Juni 1944. We have not been able to locate specific service information on Nanke, however the leader of the team who signed the document was from Panzer-Jäger-Abt. 367. We have unfortunately not been able to locate information on either of these formations.
A very nice example with some excellent research potential, ready to add to your collection!
The term panzer division (German: Panzerdivision) as commonly used in English language refers almost exclusively to the armored (tank) division in the army branch of the Wehrmacht and of NSDAP Germany during World War II. The panzer divisions were the key element of German success in the Blitzkrieg operations of the early years of the war. Later the Waffen-SS formed panzer divisions, and even the Luftwaffe fielded a panzer division, the Herman Goring Division.
The term Panzerdivision is still used in today's Heer of the Bundeswehr (for example 1. Panzerdivision). In German speaking countries the term is not immediately associated with the Wehrmacht as it is in English speaking nations, as the word simply means 'armored division' and has no additional connotation.
A panzer division was a combined arms formation, having both tanks (German Panzerkampfwagen, "armored fighting vehicle", usually shortened to "Panzer") and infantry as organic components, along with artillery, anti-aircraft, signals, etc. However, the proportions of the components of a panzer division changed over time.
