Early planetree zelt owner from Theodor Eicke

[camo master]

Wanted to share splendid example of an early #3 Planetree zelt that just arrived. The stamps are very faint but looks like it might be '39 or earlier with buttons/ eyelets corrisponding with this. There are some period repairs done unfortunately with glued on WH splinter on spring side and a missing large eyelet in the right corner. Other than this the zelt is good shape with vibrant color.

The owner of the zelt was the sellers father's brother Walter Jakob who was with the 2. /SS-Pz. Gren.Rgt.6 "Theodor Eicke. Unfortunately, the seller wanted to keep the original document but I was still happy to settle for a copy. Original pictured below.

Can someone tell me what a PanzerKampfabrzeichen award is for - awards not an area of great knowledge for me.

Hope you all enjoy the pics - comments welcome
Mark

[camo master]

fall side

[camo master]

lateral variant head hole facing. Same fabric on the center bottom reinforcing square.

[camo master]

#3

[camo master]

green eyelets and buttons. Much of the green color is missing on many of the spring side buttons.

[camo master]

since these buttons are still in good shape with little wear, it's still possible to see the sandblasted aluminium finish on them.

[camo master]

green button with most of the color missing

[camo master]

Faint stamp

[camo master]

extra large and small eyelets that came with it. Interesting - there is still a rolled up WH splinter patch in one of the small eyelets.

[camo master]

the doc

[Fritz]

Not being an award expert myself but that bronze award was mainly for all those who were attacking in anything armored that was not a tank, assault gun, self propelled gun or tank hunter (these would receive the silver variant or the general assault badge). That leaves for instance armored personal carriers, recon vehicles etc..

The general requirement was to have taken part in three attacks, other criterias could have been a wound received during one attack or exceptional bravery that qualified the person for the iron cross etc..

Hope this helps.

Nice zelt, could it be that some grommets never had a anodization? Some look completely untreated.

Also interesting that a soldier who came to the front apparently very late in the war received a early zelt. Could be it came from stocks or he just got what someone else left.

Cheers

Fritz

[camo master]

Hi Fritz - thanks for the reply and clarification of the award.

I also wondered that - this is such an early war zelt and he received the award so late. As I mentioned its not an area I know much about. Could he have been in the war the whole time and then just received this award late? Would be great to have some other members input on this. Im sure the award belonged to the owner of the zelt - the seller would have no reason to fabricate this as it was not part of the deal and came to light after I purchased it. A number of beautiful items came out of the attic when he was cleaning it out and the house has been in their family since early 1900's.

As far as the uncolored eyelets and buttons - when viewed close up they all have traces of green color. On the back side of the buttons it is also present. I will try to post pics later.

Thanks again for the information - much appreciated.
Mark

[Fritz]

Could he have been in the war the whole time and then just received this award late?

Unlikely because then he would most probably have been holding a higher rank, the rank he had when the document was written is the lowest rank.

Fritz

[mathluft]

Very nice and fresh colors ! ! !

Congrats !