A Mint Cased 14th Panzer Division Motorcycle Reconnaissance Battalion Medal by Deschler

A mint medal for a member of the 64th Motorcycle Reconnaissance Unit of the 14th Panzer Division; constructed of silvered zink; the obverse illustrating a leftward facing bust of a Wehrmacht soldier and surrounded by the inscription “Kradschützenbataillon 64 14. Panzerdiv”; the reverse depicting a German Cross (either Gold or Silver grade) in the centre, surrounded by the inscription “Samara-Charkow-Nowotscherkask-Stalingrad”; measuring 50.38 mm in diameter; weighing 43.5 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 107 mm x 105 mm; mint 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was sent to the southern sector of the Eastern front in October 1943, where it remained until July 1944, when it was withdrawn for refitting.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.