Panzer Assault Badge in Bronze – Wurster

Product Description: A fine and all-original example of the Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze, awarded to German armored personnel for participation in armored assaults. This Type 1.2.3 badge was produced by Karl Wurster of Markneukirchen and is correctly maker marked KWM on the reverse, in the upper left quadrant. Crafted in fine zinc, this example has naturally lost much of its original bronze finish—a common and expected trait among wartime zinc issues—yet still retains subtle traces of original coloration on the obverse.

The detailing remains exceptionally sharp, with minimal fading and only light surface patina in select areas, lending a pleasing depth of character. The reverse features the correct flat back profile, with a textbook hardware setup specific to Wurster production. The original round wire pin remains functional, and the ?-style catch (noted in collector taxonomy) is present and undisturbed. Free of repairs and structurally sound, this is a highly collectible example of a combat-awarded badge from one of the more desirable makers, presented here in excellent overall condition.

Historical Description: The Panzer Assault Badge was instituted on December 20^th, 1939.    It was awarded in the silver grade to Panzer crewman who met the combat requirements. On June 1^st, 1940, following the start of the blitzkrieg against France, the bronze grade was introduced to award armoured reconnaissance, motorcycle riflemen, and panzer-grenadier units.  The requirements for both versions were the same, the soldier must have participated in three combat assaults on three separate days to be eligible.       

 The design of the Standard Panzer Assault Badge consists of an oakleaf wreath surrounding a Panzer (Tank) with the German National Eagle positioned at the top clutching a swastika.  The Standard Panzer Assault Badges can still be a common occurrence at local gun and military shows even now.  The German Army had tens of thousands of Panzer crewmen who became eligible for the award as the war progressed.  Because of the large number of soldiers who had fulfilled the requirements to wear the award, a high demand for producing of the Panzer Assault Badge was needed.  In response to this, approximately 35 manufacturers were authorized to produce the award between 1939 and 1945.  Many of these manufacturers created their own version of the badge by artistically designing their own version of the eagles, wreath’s, and tanks on the badge.  The design of one Panzer badge may not be identical to the next one encountered.  This makes the collecting of the different manufacturers and their variants its own niche in the hobby.

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