Condition: Excellent
Maker: Frank & Reif
Base Material: Zinc
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Product Description: This Panzer Assault Badge in Silver is an appealing example of this desirable combat award, with great character. It is struck from fine zinc. The obverse retains most of the original silver wash, which has often faded from these zinc pieces. Wear to the high points of the design reveals the dull gray color of the base metal, which contrasts nicely with the brighter tones of the original finish in the recesses. Lots of nice detail remains on this badge. The reverse also retains original finish, with an uncleaned old patina and toning. It’s maker marked behind the tank with “Frank and Reif, Stuttgart” in raised lettering. The hardware setup features a soldered sheet metal hinge and round wire catch with catch plate, and is all-original, with no repairs. The round wire attachment pin is functional. A few very slight bends along the length of the pin, coupled with the wear to the obverse, suggest this badge is one that was issued and field worn. Overall, this Panzer Assault Badge in Silver rates as excellent.
Historical Description: The Panzer Assault Badge was instituted on December 20th, 1939. It was awarded in the silver grade to Panzer crewman who met the combat requirements. On June 1st, 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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