Germany. A Tank Badge, Bronze Grade, Unknown Maker I, Type A - “So Called Juncker”

(Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze). Oval shaped bronzed feinzink; the obverse with a border of oak leaves with a tie at the base and a Panzerkampfwagen IV superimposed in the centre on grassy ground, with its left tank track extending over the edge of the badge; the reverse plain with a vertical needle style pin, a barrel hinge, and a squared catch; an unmarked example often incorrectly referred to as the “So Called Juncker” by collectors; measuring 42.63 mm (w) x 60.78 mm (h); weighing 27.7 grams; in overall better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Phillippe de Bock refers to this type of Tank Badge as being made by the Unknown Maker I, Type A, in his book “The German Panzer Assault Badge of World War II”. This badge is often referred to as the “So Called Juncker” due to similar hardware used by Juncker on the reverse of the badge. The author states that this is wrong, however. The actual maker of this badge remains a mystery to collectors.