A Mint 14th Panzer Division Medal in its Original Case of Issue

A mint medal for a member of the 40th Panzer Reconnaissance Unit of the 14th Panzer Division; constructed of silvered aluminum; the obverse illustrating a leftward facing bust of a Wehrmacht soldier with a swastika directly below, surrounded by the inscription “Panzer Aufklärungsabteilung 40”; the reverse illustrating the 14th Panzer Division rune unit insignia in the centre, inscribed “14th Panzer Division” above, and flanked by the dates “15.8.40” and “15.4.42”, framed by two branches of laurel leaves and maker marked “Deschler, München” below; measuring 50.15 mm; weighing 18.8 grams. Accompanied by its original case of issue; constructed of heavy pressed paper with a textured blue faux leather (leatherette) exterior; lined interior lid (maker marked “Deschler & Sohn, München”); recessed medal bed; functional spring catch with stud release; intact interior fabric hinge cover; functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 106 mm x 105 mm; better than very fine condition.

Footnote: The 14th Panzer Division was formed in August 1940 from 4. Infanterie-Division. It was transferred to Hungary in March 1941 for the Balkans campaign and returned to Germany after that campaign. It took part in the invasion of the Soviet Union and fought on the southern sector until January 1943, when it was destroyed at Stalingrad. It was reformed in Brittany, France, in April 1943 and was sent to the southern sector of the Eastern front in October 1943, where it remained until July 1944, when it was withdrawn for refitting. It was transferred from the Ukraine to Kurland in August and it surrendered there to the Red Army in April 1945.