Original German WWII Set of Two Early Nickel Panzer "Danziger" Style Totenkopf "Death's Head" Collar Tab Emblems

Original Item: Only One Set of 2 Available. In November 1934 the Germans introduced the black Panzer wrap tunic for the newly formed armored units and it was worn through-out the war with minor modifications in 1936 and 1942. Along with the new black Panzer wrap tunic the Germans also introduced the unique Panzer collar tabs which utilized the old Prussian "Danziger" style skull and crossbones. The skulls and crossbones were worn through-out the war with minor manufacturing variations.

Here we have a very nice set of two early German WWII Panzer "Danziger" style Totenkopf (Death's Head) insignia for Kragenpatten (collar tabs). Both "skull and crossbones" insignia made from nickel alloy, only used during the pre-war / early period, later replaced by aluminum and zinc. Both look to originally have been aluminized, most of which is now missing, and both still retain both securing prongs on the reverse, definitely a rarity. Both have a lovely aged patina, measuring approximately 15/16" across.

A very nice pair of Panzer insignia, ready to add to your collection!

Use of the Totenkopf as a military emblem began under Frederick the Great, who formed a regiment of Hussar cavalry in the Prussian army commanded by Colonel von Ruesch, the Husaren-Regiment Nr. 5 (von Ruesch). It adopted a black uniform with a Totenkopf emblazoned on the front of its mirlitons and wore it on the field in the War of Austrian Succession and in the Seven Years' War. The Totenkopf remained a part of the uniform when the regiment was reformed into Leib-Husaren Regiments Nr.1 and Nr.2 in 1808. The skull continued to be used by the Prussian and Brunswick armed forces until 1918, and some of the stormtroopers that led the last German offensives on the Western Front in 1918 used skull badges. Luftstreitkräfte fighter pilots Georg von Hantelmann and Kurt Adolf Monnington are just two of a number of Central Powers military pilots who used the Totenkopf as their personal aircraft insignia.