Could this be real?

P

pattiewhack

New member
This CANT be real, can it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/WWI-German-Tank-Core-Badge-800-Sliver_W0QQitemZ140040338196QQihZ004QQcategoryZ13965QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I thought only the brits had tanks in WWI!

Andrew
 
The Germans did in fact have tanks in World War I, they field about 20. I believe the only surviving example is in Australia if memory servies.

The French and Americans also used tanks in large numbers, with the Americans mostly using French tanks.

The British were actually -- despite the later Italian claim in Lybia -- the first to use tanks in the desert. I believe two or three tanks actually were used (without much luck) in Palestine. I've never been able to get a clear cut answer on how the tanks actually arrived there. It was discussed here:
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48439&hl=tanks


Now back to the badge. I personally don't think it is real. Maybe others can comment. It is pure fantasy IMHO. I don't believe it is inter-war either. I have seen these called "Free Corp tank badges too." I don't know where hte Free Corps were getting armor from?

Here is a link to a reproduction WWI German tank badge:
http://www.militarytour.com/reproductions/WW1/12.htm

This is the correct design I believe.
 
Peter is absolutely correct, Andrew. The main German tank of the war was the A7V of which Mephisto is the sole survivor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephisto_%28tank%29

The eBay badge is complete rubbish.

Chas.
 
Andrew: Chas and Peter are correct that the tank badge on Ebay is a sham. That badge is a rather lame attempt at a copy of the Condor Legion tank badge. An original Tank Battle Badge for World War I is shown below. This badge has the Maybauer hallmark and an 800 silver content mark on its reverse. The badge is of 2 piece construction.
tankqe5.jpg


Reservist1
 
R1

How did the Hussar style scull & crossbones come to be used by The Panzer troops? Were they troops taken from the Hussars themselves?

Geo
 
George: I really don't know what influenced the use of the Leib Hussar style skull and bones as the branch insignia for World War German tank troops.

Reservist1
 
Just a note the SS used the Leib Hussar badge and the panzers used the Brunswick deaths head. In ww2 I think it was to signify elite soldiers and carry on the traditions of the past...
 
Hi Mark:

The following Abteilung 1 500 series A7V Sturm-Panzerkampfwagen utilized Totenkopf emblems:

501
503
506
526
527
562

It is worth noting the tank assault badge was awarded retrospectively, and first issued on 1 April 1923. The issue badge was cliché white metal and made by C. E. Juncker at a cost of 25 RM. Silver badges such as R1's were privately purchased.

Chas.
 
Thanks for the numbers Chas I will add thay to my reference material.
Post war would make sense to me as you see the Skull and cross bones used on alot of the Armoured cars used in that turbulent time.
Mark
 
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