This die-struck badge was awarded by the Weimar Republic to WW1 tank crews who had served in three assaults or been wounded in the course of one. The soldier had to apply for the badge and, once he had received the award document, would privately purchase the badge. Sepp Dietrich, commander of the LAH, wore this in 1940 photos.
This example (6.5 by nearly 4.5 cm) is made of base metal, probably nickel, with a silver finish to the front, weighing 14 grammes .According to Detlev Niemann's catalogue (2004) only some 100 award documents were issued, making it arguably the scarcest of WW1 retrospective badges of the Weimar era. The badges were made both in hallmarked silver and base metal. The patina on the reverse is dark brown, typically indicative of aged nickel.
There is a little wear to the highlights on the wreath, cross bones and the top edge of the tank, with the base metal showing through the silver finish. Otherwise it is in excellent shape.
A near identical example, but with pierced eyes, in the Hermann Historica catalogue of 2009 was estimated at 1,200 euros. Both examples, mine and theirs, have a nice red brown patina on the reverse.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Badges : German : 20th Century]
|
![online Militaria dealer - Antique-Militaria [UK]](/images/antique-militaria.jpg)
Antique Militaria Home
Site map
Historic comments
MAGNIFY