This is a bronze German World War II Panzer Badge. The Panzer Badge was introduced on 20 December, 1939 to recognize the achievements of Panzer personnel who took part in armoured assaults. It was instituted by order of General Walther von Brauchitsch and designed by the Berlin firm of Wilhelm Peekhaus. On 6 June, 1940, a separate class of the badge in Bronze was added to recognize the crews of armoured vehicles other than tanks. The badge was worn on the left tunic pocket. The bronze version of the Panzer Badge was authorized for armoured personnel and Panzer Grenadier units equipped with armoured vehicles. They were also presented to members of armoured reconnaissance groups and rifle battalions of Panzer divisions. Authority to award these badges was generally done at regiment of division level. The Panzer Badge consists of an oval with a wreath composed of five single oak leaves on one side and four on the other. At the base of the oval is a tie and at the apex a Wehrmacht eagle with folded wings clutching a swastika in it's talons. In the center of the badge is a tank that passes from left to right. The left track of the tank goes into the wreath of oak leaves. The reverse of the badge has three variations. It could be either hollow backed, flat, or semi dished. The badge was attached to the tunic by a pin and catch. The tank depicted on the badge is a Panzerkampfwagen IV. The silver class of the Panzer Badge was presented to tank commanders, gunners or radio operators. The bronze class was presented to Panzergrenadier regiments, tank assault crews, armoured recon units and medical personnel that went into battle in armoured vehicles. In June of 1943 the award was updated to reflect the experience that many German veterans now had. Four new classes were added for 25, 50, 75 and 100 engagements. This Panzer Badge has no numerals. It has no maker mark and is of the hollow backed. The badge is undamaged and shows some wear, but displays great.

Item # AA753

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